Brilliant Bronze shows she is still a crucial player for Lionesses in win over Iceland | OneFootball

Lucy Bronze celebrated her 145th England appearance in style, with a goal and an assist in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Iceland.

The experienced defender overtook Karen Carney’s 144 caps to become the third most capped player in England history, now sitting behind only Fara Williams (172) and Jill Scott (161).

In the second qualifier for England’s World Cup 2027 campaign, Bronze proved once again why she remains such an important figure in Sarina Wiegman’s side.

England started brightly in their first home game of 2026 being played at the City Ground in Nottingham, their first at this stadium since 1994. In the 18th minute, Lauren James whipped in a beautiful cross from the left that found Lauren Hemp, whose could only rattle the right post with her header.

The breakthrough came four minutes later from a similar delivery. James once again provided a lofted cross from the left and Bronze powered a header into the net to give England the lead in the 22nd minute.

Despite dominating possession and chances, England were unable to extend their advantage before half-time, not for a lack of trying.

The Lionesses continued to press in the second half. Hemp came close in the 53rd minute with a curling effort that drifted narrowly wide. Iceland’s best moment and only shot arrived in the 61st minute when Sandra Jessen forced a fine save from Hannah Hampton, who was called into action for the first time as she tipped the shot over the bar. This was Iceland’s only attempt of the match, with England solid in defence all afternoon.

The second goal arrived in the 78th minute. Bronze found Georgia Stanway with a cross from the right, with the Bayern Munich midfielder putting her boot through it and making a good connection.

England registered 30 shots compared to Iceland’s one, dominating the game, but they will leave knowing they possibly should have scored more than two.

But with back-to-back wins this week following a 6–1 victory over Ukraine, and a crowd of 27,474 watching on in Nottingham, the Lionesses will be pleased to have got their World Cup qualification campaign off to the perfect start.