Lucy Bronze was called 'the best player' after winning Sweden in Euro 2022

The England right-back Lucy Bronze was instrumental in her side’s 3-1 win over Sweden in the semi-final, setting up Ellen White’s opening goal with a brilliant cross. She then put in a towering performance at the back as England held on to their lead, making a number of crucial tackles and clearances.

After the match, England manager Phil Neville praised Bronze, saying she is “the best player in the world”. “She was magnificent,” he said. “She’s got the lot – pace, power, technical ability, crossing. She can do everything.”

Bronze has been one of England’s most consistent performers at Euro 2022 and has been a key player in their run to the final. The victory, which saw England finish top of Group D ahead of their Euro 2022 rivals, was built on a solid defensive performance and some fine attacking play, with Bronze at the heart of it all.

“I thought Lucy Bronze was immense,” said former Lioness Karen Carney on BBC Radio 5 Live. “She was the best player on the pitch by a country mile.” Bronze, who has now won 68 caps for her country, was quick to praise her team-mates after the game.

“It was a solid performance from the whole team,” she said. “We knew we had to come out and get a result against a good Sweden side. “We knew we had to put in a performance and I think we did that. We’re delighted with the win.”

The game was a rematch of the Euro 2017 final, which England lost 2-1 after conceding a late own goal. That defeat still hurts, but the Lionesses are determined to make up for it this time around.

“It’s a chance to put things right,” Bronze said. “It’s a chance to show how far we’ve come as a team.”

The final will be a historic occasion, regardless of the result, but England are determined to come out on top and make history of their own. “We want to win it,” Bronze said. “That’s the only thing that matters.”

England will now face Portugal in the last 16 of Euro 2022, with Bronze once again expected to play a key role in their quest for glory.