'It's just so sad' - Lucy Bronze reveals Lionesses' heartbroken reaction to news of Liverpool star Diogo Jota's tragic death

Jota died in a tragic car accident on Thursday, as did his brother, Andre, after the Lamborghini they were travelling in left the road and caught fire after a tyre blowout during an overtake. The Liverpool star only got married two weeks ago, and was the father to three children. Asked about the tragedy at the Women's European Championship, Bronze revealed that she and the rest of the Lionesses squad were left stunned by the news.

Jota's death has led to widespread tributes from across the footballing world, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, and his former clubs Wolves and Porto. The forward was a sparkling, twinkle-toed forward for Liverpool, and played a key role in their recent success following his arrival in 2020.

Bronze told reporters: “Yeah it definitely shocked all the squad when we woke up this morning and the news started to spread. Obviously we have a lot of Liverpool fans in our team and football fans, but for people in general, everyone is just thinking of them – him and his brother.

“They were so young as well. We have seen all the messages on social media and stuff so you can tell what a great guy he has been. It’s just really sad and we were shocked by the news, really.”

She added: “We’ll be watching the games tonight and Portugal play their first game against Spain and I know there will be a minute’s silence held before that game. I think everyone in an England shirt and everyone in the tournament will be supporting the Portuguese team because they will be a lot closer to this than we are.

“It is just a really sad moment for everyone involved in football, knowing what a great guy he is and what an amazing year he’s had – not just in football, but he got married a few weeks ago and he’s got some little kids. It’s just so sad.”

England will have to try to refocus, as they kick off their European Championship campaign against France on Saturday.