The talented football lasses, who both go to Alnwick's Duchess's High School, have been picked by Three Lions U17 Women's head coach Lois Fidler as part of an 18-strong squad to take on France in the semi-final of the inaugural UEFA Women's European Championships in Switzerland.

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The team teed up their French encounter after topping Group A in the second round of qualifying, held in the Czech Republic in March.

Both Lucys made a hat-trick of appearances, playing against their Czech hosts and Belgium and Holland.

The France clash, scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, will be played at the Colovray Stadium, Nyon, which has a 6,800 capacity.

But their semi-final battle is just the first chapter in what is an amazing story for the two Lucys.

If the U17 female Lions can find their Va Va Voom and roar past France, their European Championship final on May 23 – against either Germany or Denmark – will be shown live on Eurosport.

And, by helping the Lions qualify for the Switzerland finals, the girls have made history by booking their place at the first FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in New Zealand in October.

England's place had hinged on their European performance, with only the top three teams snatching a World Cup place, but UEFA has been awarded four places – meaning the European Championship quartet will all travel to the World Cup.

Lucy Bronze, 16, admitted: "I'm pretty excited now but I am a little disappointed because our manager has had to drop two of our best players because they are trying to keep them rested for the U19 European Championships."

But Lucy B's call-up for the European Championships is a fine end to a fine season for the Sunderland Ladies first team player. Having represented the female Black Cats since last October, she has helped guide the team to a stunning end-of-season finish, which has seen them win six out of their last eight.

Lucy, who has scored six league and cup goals for Sunderland, said: "I'm feeling pretty good. I haven't lost a single league match playing for Sunderland."

The European Championship call-up is another highlight in Lucy S's budding football career. An appearance in Switzerland would see the 15-year-old starlet edge closer to her 10th international cap.

Lucy S, a member of Sunderland's Centre of Excellence, said: "I was relieved to be called up and I am really excited."


Looking ahead to the World Cup she added: "It is class to have qualified. I just hope I get in. It will be an amazing experience."

Route to the European Championships
First Qualifying Round (held in Georgia)

October 27, 2007: England 13 Georgia 0

October 29, 2007: England 3 Slovakia 1

November 1, 2007: England 1 Russia 0

Lucy B starts two and is a substitute in the other.

Second Qualifying Round (held in Czech Republic)

March 25, 2008: England 4 Czech Republic 0

March 27, 2008: England 3 Belgium 1

March 30, 2008: England 0 Holland 0

Lucy B starts two and is a substitute in the other.