LUCY BRONZE said yesterday she was overwhelmed with being nominated for the BBC sports personality of the year award , capping a tremendous year for the Manchester City defender.

Bronze was part of the England side which finished third at this year’s World Cup, scoring two crucial goals as the Lionesses captured the hearts of the nation.

The 24-year-old was last week named the FA women’s player of the year and, after learning she was a contender for the BBC award, cancelled her plans to go on holiday so she could attend the awards on December 20.