England cap record & possible return to WSL – Lionesses & Barcelona star Lucy Bronze discusses future goals

The 32-year-old defender, who landed the prestigious FIFA Best Women’s Player award in 2020, has made 118 appearances for her country. She has become a European Championship winner in the process and now sits 54 caps behind Fara Williams on the Lionesses’ all-time appearance chart.

Quizzed by FourFourTwo on whether she can pass Williams and make more history by becoming the first England player to 173 international outings, Bronze said: “I think Fara and Jill Scott (161) are way too far ahead of me. We’ll see – it depends how long my knee will hold out. It would be unbelievable to play that many times, but I’m happy with what I’ve achieved already and I just want to keep playing for England as long as possible – as long as I can stay at the top level, compete and try to win more trophies.”

Bronze continues to collect major honours at club level, with the fourth Champions League win of her remarkable career savoured with Barcelona in 2022-23. The former Liverpool and Manchester City star is enjoying her time in Spain, but said when asked if she could head home at some point in the near future: “Never say never. I’m someone who is open to opportunities – my career has shown that. I like different challenges in different places. Although my family live back in England, I have my home wherever I am in the world and I do absolutely love playing for Barcelona. I don’t know what the future holds – whether I stay here, return to England one day or join another club in another country and try to achieve the same sort of success. I’m always looking to challenge myself.”

The NWSL could be one option for Bronze to explore as she has never played professionally in the United States. She did go to college in America, representing the North Carolina Tar Heels, but has spent her senior career turning out in England, France and Spain.