BRONZE AIMS FOR THE STAR

LUCY BRONZE finally ended her semi-final torment and fixed her gaze on a little star.

- NEIL MOXLEY

England’s most influential player, who has suffered at the last-four stage of the previous two World Cups, buried her anguish on a never-to-be-forgotten night in Sydney.

The Lionesses deservedly booked themselves a date with Spain following a fearless show against co-hosts Australia, leaving Bronze to fantasise once more about a date with destiny.

She said: “I watched the World Cup in Germany in 2011 when England played and were knocked out by France. That’s my memory of the England team and since that tournament, I’ve played in every single one.

“I’ve always said the one thing I wanted for England was to get a star above the crest. The men have it – and we don’t – and, now, hopefully, we will be sharing the same.”

England do not own the copyright on tournament heartache but previous World Cups have been particularly galling.