Thursday 2 July 2015 22:50, UK
England defender Lucy Bronze has been named on the shortlist for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Golden Ball.
The 23-year-old, who can play anywhere in defence and started the tournament on the left-wing in the defeat to France, has been impressive at right-back as Mark Simpson’s side progressed to the semi-finals.
A 2-1 defeat to defending champions Japan in Edmonton ended their run but England have been impressive, leading to Bronze being nominated along with seven others for the FIFA player of the tournament award.
Manchester City player Bronze has scored twice in the tournament, firing in a stunning winner in the 2-1 win over Norway in the group stages of the competition.
She then followed that up with a headed goal against hosts Canada in the first knockout stage that proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory.
Bronze was substituted in the closing stages of the defeat to Japan with a minor injury.
The other players nominated are United States trio Julie Johnston, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, France's Amandine Henry, Japan's Saori Ariyoshi and Aya Miyama and Germany's Celia Sasic.
England’s final game in the competition comes in the third/fourth place play-off with Germany on Saturday night.
