Bronze climbs all-time cap charts

Lucy Bronze continued to climb the England women’s all-time appearance makers charts, overtaking Karen Carney – who was in attendance in Nottingham – to make third place her own.

The defender clocked her 145th senior appearance which she marked with a goal against Iceland in a 2-0 win – the perfect way to commemorate the milestone.

“It was really nice to get the extra cap past Kaz Carney, a Lioness legend, and behind Fara [Williams] and Jill [Scott],” reflected the 34 year old.

“The three of them are close friends of mine, teammates from the past, and I am just really proud to represent my country so many times.”

Bronze combined with club teammate Lauren James, who made her first start upon her return from injury, to head in the opening goal in the first half.

“We were on opposite ends of the pitch today but we still found a way to connect,” continued Bronze.

“Everybody knows how much quality LJ has. It is a real pleasure to play with her both at Chelsea and England, because she can be the best in the world one day.”

And James herself was pleased to pull on an England shirt once again.

“I really enjoyed it,” said James. “It's always nice being back in this shirt after a while out.

“Whenever I cut in, I know that Lucy is back post and I can dink it in to her. She uses her head!”

At the other end of the pitch, Bronze was also pleased to keep a clean sheet as well as contributing with a goal.

“We have got a good team connection,” added Bronze. “We probably should have scored a lot more goals but we have known in recent years that not conceding is more important than scoring as many as possible.

“We have had problems with that in the past, where we have tied games that we shouldn't have.

“To keep a clean sheet was important, to get the two goals felt comfortable at the end.”

England are back in action next month when they meet Spain for the first time since the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Final under the arch at Wembley – a game Bronze and James are both relishing.

“It is always a good game against Spain,” said James. “We have two quality sides and we look forward to it.”

“The last time we played them [Spain] at Wembley, the atmosphere was incredible,” noted Bronze. “It was a tight game, it is always a tight game, and we are all looking forward to it.”