THE BRONZE AGE – The Lucy Show comes to the City Ground

Lucy Bronze scores and assists Georgia Stanway in a 2-0 win for the mighty Lionesses against Iceland in the 2027 Women’s World Cup Qualifier at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, witnessed first-hand by Nicole Lockwood-West… and starting with her journey across the Midlands…

I thought I’d seen the last of a cramped train when I moved out of London. But there I was staring at the train to Nottingham or the ‘immersive sardine experience’ that seems to follow women’s football fans to match days as the national rail companies seem to forget “there’s an international game on”.

The person on the speaker claimed not to know why the service was so busy on this Saturday. After finally arriving in Nottingham and stretching my aching body off the train, I couldn’t help but notice how many other trains and carriages were full of women’s football fans. One man said to his friend as they walked past me: “Imagine getting on a train that cramped to watch women’s football”. Well, believe it; it’s happening! It’s been happening since 2022!

Storming up to a sold-out City Ground, it was joy to hear a round chorus of locals and passersby intrigued to witness hordes of fans making their way. “I didn’t know it was international break for England”… “It’s the Lionesses”… “Lionesses? Women’s football! I didn’t know they were this popular”. I felt awfully smug telling them: “It’s sold out, actually”.

Finding my seat in the ground, I felt a real excitement and buzz in the air. As the line-up was announced, it was impossible to miss the fans of certain players, like Chloe Kelly, Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson. When their names were called, I felt the stand shake and reverberate with every cheer, showcasing the idolisation of these fans for the players.

It was a strong turnout too for the Iceland fans in the away section. A sea of electric royal blue showing admiration for their players during the line-up before kick-off.

Touching

There was also a touching tribute to the late Lynda Hale, who played in the first FA-approved England women’s team as the ‘first number 7’. As well as a moment of applause (below, right), Leah Williamson brandished a Lionesses shirt with Hale’s name and number printed on the back. It’s emotional to feel the love and appreciation that previous female athletes and players are now finally receiving after paving the way and being the trailblazers, we needed to see the Lionesses as they are today.

Pulling myself together after a sudden pyro jump-scare, it was time for kick off.

Right from the off, it was interesting to see the club bond and partnership in Lauren James and Lucy Bronze. Karen Carney described it ingeniously as almost “telepathic”. The way they were so in tune with each other from cross to receiving touch could only have been perfected by their game experience together at Chelsea.

I called Lucy Bronze as Player of the Match just 20mins into the game. Always finding great space, being on the end of headers and crosses – I already felt Bronze was having a blinder of a game. Then two minutes later, Bronze scored a header, assisted by a cross from LJ. Iceland’s goalkeeper; Cecilía Rúnarsdóttir got a slight fingertip on the ball as it breezed past into the back of the net. 1-0 to the Lionesses!

Another moment I enjoyed in the game, was seeing Leah Williamson directing the play and positioning of everyone. This really helped in trying to create space, as Iceland were playing particularly narrow, making them quite a hard team to break down defensively.

For me the stars of the first half were definitely Bronze, James and Lauren Hemp. Bronze for the goal and finding the space for potential goal-scoring opportunities, LJ for the assist, great play-making crosses as well as a rocket shot on target seven minutes before half time. It’s worth noting that it was a great save from Rúnarsdóttir to deny James. Last, but not least, Hemp, who was rapid, with multiple potential goal-scoring moments.

After scoffing a delicious chicken pie at half-time, the second half kicked off. It only took five minutes to see James back with the intuitive crosses to Bronze again, but sadly this particular shot skimmed across the net.

Shimmer

As the flow of the second half was in full swing, so were the chants. Listening to Sweet Caroline boom round the City ground boosted the already joyous atmosphere. The rhythmic ‘Bah, bah, bah” drove the play as the game continued. LJ tried a shot from outside the box which was reliably saved by Rúnarsdóttir – what a game she was having! James showed another shimmer of magic with a back heel in her pass to Taylor Hinds, causing fans to audibly show their enjoyment and appreciation. I’d love to see this more in women’s football!

Iceland made a break and took a shot on target that almost certainly would have gone in if it weren’t for the wonderful Hannah Hampton, once again, proving why she is England’s number 1 goalkeeper.

Throughout the second half, chance after chance was denied by Iceland’s defence and in most case by their keeper who was having an impressive game. At 73 mins, James was applauded off to be replaced by Chloe Kelly [cue ecstatic cheers] along with Iceland subbing off Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir for Diljá Ýr Zomers.

Five minutes later, Georgia Stanway made a fantastic finish for her goal, assisted by Lucy Bronze’s cross, and bringing the score to 2-0.

At 88 mins, Iceland brought on Berglind Rós Ágústsdóttir to replace Hildur Antonsdóttir. And England brought on Laura Blindkilde Brown for Jess Park, with Lucia Kendall later replacing goal scorer Stanway.

The game finished 2-0 to England, putting them top of their group, above Spain, with 6 out of 6 points and a goal difference of +7.

Next game: England vs Spain at Wembley. Bring it on!

Incredible

After the game I joined the press conference with Sarina Wiegman. When asked what she was pleased with in the match she said: “Iceland is a very disciplined team with a lot of power and very compact, it’s really hard to break them down. I think the first half we did very well, created lots of chances with very good football and yes, we could have scored more but it’s most important that we win the game”.

Wiegman mentioned goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and her crucial save in the second half while also mentioning that Iceland’s keeper, Rúnarsdóttir had an impressive game.

Discussing the importance of Lucy Bronze as a player, playing her 145th cap this game resulting in a goal and an assist, Wiegman said: “She has a mindset that is incredible, she has so much football intelligence and really gets it. She helps her team mates on the pitch and off the pitch which helps them play better.

“She plays a big role in the team. She wants to make the World Cup and she’s still building minutes (for her fitness) but if you can still deliver this on the pitch, then you’re still an important player for us. Her connection with the players and staff is so good, she’s on and off the pitch a really important player.”.

When asked about the sold-out crowd of 27,471, Wiegman said: “We never ever take it granted! We arrived here and the fans are outside and they’re so enthusiastic.

“When we’re inside (the stadium) it’s full of noise and it’s very enjoyable to have that. We hope that we gave them (the fans) a great afternoon, and we entertained them.”

Next fixtures:

April 14 Lionesses v Spain at Wembley Stadium 7pm BST;

April 18 Iceland v Lionesses, Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík 5.30pm BST.

Photos: Nicole Lockwood-West