Women’s World Cup: ‘The one that really matters’ – Lucy Bronze striving for glory, was ‘heartbroken’ after 2019 exit

Lucy Bronze is targeting Women’s World Cup glory with England this summer as she strives to win the one trophy that has so far, eluded her.

The Lionesses won their first major honour at Euro 2022 last summer, but Bronze admits that winning the World Cup would elevate this squad to another level.

She is also eager to rectify a slight cosmetic difference to the women’s England kits compared to those of their male counterparts.

While the men can celebrate their 1966 World Cup triumph with a sole star on their shirts, the women are still waiting to win the game’s ultimate prize.

“When we won the Euros, on one hand it felt like something was complete, as I didn’t want to go through my entire career without winning something for England.

“We ticked that box, but the World Cup is the big one, the one that really matters. Getting that little star above the crest on your shirt makes everything complete.

“Growing up, watching football and wearing England shirts when I was a kid, the men always had that little star on their shirt. When we started getting our own shirts made, we didn’t have a star on it. It has always felt like something was missing, a quiet reminder that we hadn’t done what they have done.

“We need to get one there ASAP. It’s always there in the back of your mind, every time I pull on that shirt, it has reminded me, it motivates me.”

The Lionesses have reached the semi-finals in each of the last two World Cups, and Bronze admits that the defeat to eventual winners USA in 2019 still wrangles with her.

An England side managed by Phil Neville were beaten 2-1 by the US in a devastating defeat, in which Steph Houghton’s late penalty was saved by Alyssa Naeher.

When asked how she felt after that match to reporters, she added: “Heartbroken. Every World Cup that I’ve played in, we’ve been so close. The difference between us and the US on the day that we played them was a VAR decision, a penalty save. That’s two things in one game. It was crazy, crazy close.

“Funnily enough, I’ve actually never watched a World Cup final because we always get knocked out at the semis. Obviously, I know the goals that were scored in them and pretty much know what’s happened in each of the games, but I’ve actually never watched any of the games.”

England’s preparations for the tournament have not been the most ideal, with captain Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby all missing the tournament due to injury.

Chelsea defender Millie Bright has been named as the skipper in Williamson’s absence – a decision which Bronze insists is not a bone of contention.

“I’ve always tried to be a leader on the pitch,” Bronze explained.

“That’s where I’m comfortable. I’ve never been the captain of England and Sarina [Wiegman] knows it’s not something I really want to do anymore either.

“In my career, other players, managers and the media have put pressure on me to want to be the captain. But what does that mean? It’s an armband. I’m still the leader of the team but without the hassle that comes with the job. Millie will be our captain in Australia and I think that’s a great decision.

“Whether I was wearing the armband or not, I would still feel exactly the same. Sarina still comes to me to talk before and during games. We have a great relationship; we talk all the time about stuff.

“The captain has become a thing the media put a lot of focus on, but as a group of players we have many leaders within the team. I’ve grown into that role; I certainly don’t need an armband to tell me that or tell the players that.”