'Who else has done that? Nobody!' - Lucy Bronze fires back at England's critics ahead of Euro 2025 final

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Chelsea defender Lucy Bronze was swift to deflect any criticism aimed at the Lionesses in the wake of their extra-time victory over Italy at Euro 2025. The defending champions are through to the final, but were made to work hard by Italy, who led until the 96th minute. A late equaliser then sent the match into extra time, where England once again found a way to win against the odds.

'Many emotions' for Wiegman as Kelly says Lionessess drama like 'a fantasy'

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England made their fans sweat once again in their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, as they were behind in the match until late in stoppage time.

But somehow England found a way to win, with Michelle Agyemang equalising in the 96th minute before Chloe Kelly was the quickest to react to her own saved penalty, slotting the ball home with a minute left in extra-time.

That sent the Lionesses into their third straight final, following Euro 2022, which they won with victory over Germany at Wembley, and the 2023 World Cup, where they lost to Spain in Australia.

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Coupled with the unconvincing performance against Sweden in the quarter-finals, where 14 penalties were required for England to progress, there has been some muted criticism that this year’s team are not as ruthless as they were in 2022.

But Lucy Bronze hit back, as reported by the Guardian, saying: "Do we have something to prove? Not really.

"That’s people from the outside thinking that teams have to win every single game.

"We’ve done six consecutive semi-finals, three consecutive finals, who else has done that? Nobody. Spain and Germany are fantastic teams, but even they haven’t managed that feat."

Sarina Wiegman's team also lost their opening match in the group stages to France, but since then have found a way to win - regardless of the odds stacked against them - with victories over the Netherlands, Wales, Sweden and Italy.

They will now face Germany or Spain in Sunday's final in Basel.

"I don’t think us doing it the hard way is a concern," added Bronze.

"We’ve also got to give credit to the teams that we’re playing against. Sweden showed a lot of fight, Italy were a really good team.

"It’s not just about one team just winning every single game. We saw that in this tournament - so many teams are at such a high level, you switch off for a moment and you’re 1-0 down.

"We’re just showing that we’ve got fighters in this team and that’s what you need in a tournament."

Bronze was also quick to pay tribute to the two goalscorers, with Agyemang at just 19 playing in her first international tournament.

The Arsenal forward scored the equaliser against Sweden as well, and has already proven to be a clinical finisher in front of goal.

"What a tournament from Michelle, especially coming in with the seniors just a couple of months ago," Bronze said.

"What a great player, what a bright future she’s got. She’s such a humble, lovely down-to-earth girl. Honestly couldn’t think of a nicer person, and then Chloe’s just attitude, sass, confidence.

"I think Chloe’s one of those players who, when she’s on the pitch, no matter what the moment of the game is, or how she’s feeling or how the crowd is, is going to push her shoulders back, big up her chest and go for it.

"They’re both key players in this team, obviously they haven’t started in this tournament, but it just shows the strength of our squad. I don’t know many teams that have that."

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