Lucy Bronze praised as England draw with France

Northumberland football star Lucy Bronze was picked out for praise after her '˜solid' performance in England's 0-0 draw with France last night.
Lucy BronzeLucy Bronze
Lucy Bronze

The 24-year-old from Alnwick almost scored for The Lionesses in the first half, heading wide from a free-kick. The Berwick-born Manchester City player also added steel to England’s defensive work.

Her performance throughout the international friendly, which was played at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium, drew praise for former England striker Sue Smith. She told the BBC: ‘There have been some excellent defensive performances for England but Lucy Bronze was solid, made two excellent recovery blocks and did nothing wrong. Going forward she gave them something else and did not get a pass wrong.’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s not the first time that Bronze has impressed in an England shirt. Last year, she was an integral member of the England Women’s team which made history by finishing third at the World Cup in Canada, scoring two crucial goals in the process. Her exploits helped her to be named FA women’s player of the year and she became the first female footballer to be nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

Last night’s draw stretched England’s unbeaten run to eight matches. It could have been even better for England, but Toni Duggan’s late goal was ruled out for handball.

England’s last defeat came in the SheBelieves Cup in March when they lost 2-1 to Germany. They then went through six Euro 2017 qualifying games without defeat. Their next friendly match is against Spain in Guadalajara on Tuesday.