One of the heroes from England's Euro 2025 triumph made a staggering revelation after her side's stunning final win over Spain on Sunday (27 July).
Sarina Wiegman's side managed to secure back-to-back European Championship wins as they defeated the reigning world champions on penalties, after coming from behind to draw 1-1 in normal time.
Lucy Bronze, who was an ever-present in the Lionesses line-up throughout the European Championships, revealed after the victory of a recurring injury which she battled through during the tournament.
Speaking to BBC Sport after the match, the right-back said: "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew and then I’ve hurt my knee today on the other leg."
The 33-year-old added: "But if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do, they know that. We inspire each other by playing through things like that and it got us to the end."
The severe pain the full-back was in during Sunday's final in Basel caused her to have to be substituted during extra-time for Niamh Charles, and have to watch the penalty shoot-out from the sideline.
Bronze's shocking revelation highlights the strong mentality in Wiegman's squad and how desperate the players were to not only defend their title, but also win a first major tournament on foreign soil.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
History-making outing for Bronze in Switzerland
Sunday evening's match was also a memorable occasion for Bronze from a personal perspective.
Her outing on the pitch at St. Jakob-Park meant she surpassed former Lionesses star, Jill Scott, to become the most featured player at a major tournament for England with 36 appearances.
Despite being the oldest player in Wiegman's squad, the Chelsea star racked up just under 600 minutes on the pitch, making her the fourth most-used player for the Lionesses at Euro 2025.
Bronze's experience on the pitch was vital for England as the team dealt with many setbacks during the tournament. The side lost its opening group game to France and had to come from behind in all of the knockout rounds.
Bronze's goal in the quarter-final against Sweden started the Lionesses' brilliant comeback against the Scandinavian nation, as the team was trailing 2-0 with just 11 minutes to go in that contest.
The right-back is one of a number of players who were present for England's Euro triumph three years ago.
She and her teammates will be hoping to go one step further and become world champions for the very first time when the FIFA Women's World Cup takes place in Brazil just two years from now.
Lionesses news and related links
Women's Euro 2025 team of the tournament: The Sporting News picks best XI after England win title
Women's Euro 2025 prize money: Total purse for tournament, how much winners make