More than nine years after making her England debut against Japan, Lucy Bronze became the cap centurion she thought she would never be with a typically enterprising display on the right.
Always available on the flank, Bronze’s perceptive passing, arrowed runs towards the penalty area and confident defensive work were a feature of the first half as England searched for an opener against opponents keen to impress the largest audience many of them had ever played in front of.
Simona Necidova raced in to whip the ball away just in time on one occasion when Bronze burst into the box, while an excellent crossfield delivery from Fran Kirby would have set her free beyond her marker had the Barcelona newcomer not lost her footing.
Bronze was also assured and accurate in her crossing, with her only moment of concern coming when she was floored by a robust challenge at the touchline before rising to her feet to demand the ball.
Reflecting this week, Bronze revealed that she had been told as a 20-year-old to expect her career to last a maximum of seven more years because of four severe knee injuries that had left her unable to run as a teenager.
Had a crystal ball given her a glimpse into the future, Bronze would have seen herself as the reigning England Player of the Year on her 28th birthday, as well as an imminent Champions League winner with Lyon, among other trophies.
The move Bronze made to Barcelona only seems likely to enhance her determination and keep her standards as high as this dependably brilliant player’s standing in the game.
“People keep asking me what’s next, can I catch up with Jill [Scott, 161 caps] and Fara [Williams, 172 caps] but I think they’re miles off.
“I just want to keep playing for England as long as possible. I feel good in this team and I’m playing well. A hundred more? Maybe that’s too much, but I just keep going.”
Remaining an England mainstay for the rest of Wiegman’s reign is the least we should expect from Bronze. She has spoken of emulating Brazil legend Formiga by playing until 43 – and on current form and fitness, that seems merely ambitious rather than outlandish.
