The Black Cat who became a leading Lioness, nine retro photos of Sunderland's Lucy Bronze

The World Cup star who honed her skills on Wearside

Marauding full back Lucy Bronze is once again proving her status as a world class footballer.

The England star is one match away from become a World Cup winner and it all started for her on the books of the Sunderland Youth Academy.

Here's her journey in photos from 2003 onwards.

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