City and England star Lucy Bronze has been shortlisted for the Women's World Cup Golden Ball.

A pivotal part of the Lionesses journey to the semi-finals, the defender netted the winning goals against both Norway and Canada in the knock-out stages and has earned rave reviews for her displays throughout the competition.

The Golden Ball is awarded to the best player of the tournament and upon hearing the news, the right-back took to Twitter to express her delight:

Unbelievable to get a nomination for the @FIFAWWC golden ball award 😅 #Speechless 😯🙊 But really just happy to be reppin' #ENG on the list 👊🏼

— Lucy Bronze (@LucyBronze) July 2, 2015

Her strike against the Norwegians was particularly memorable, as she smashed home a powerful, first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area.

Reflecting on the strike, she laughed: “Normally I’d pass, but in training people have asked me why I don’t shoot when I’m on the edge of the box.

“So, in my head I thought: ‘I’m going to shoot’ - and I did. I guess scoring the goal was a bit of history but it was a team effort and it was a very tough game to play in.”

Her goal against Canada - a looping header from a set-piece - gave England a two-goal advantage inside 15 minutes, which proved significant in a 2-1 win.

Substituted with a minor injury in the last four clash with Japan, Bronze was unable to prevent her side from falling to a last-gasp defeat.

It was a blow in a crucial point of the game, as the defender had continued to impress up to that point, earning her a whole new fanbase.

Shame to see Lucy Bronze go off injured. She's definitely been our player of the tournament #Lionesses #FIFAWWC

— Dan Clifford (@DanCliffordCTFC) July 2, 2015

Gutted @LucyBronze has come off injured. She's been outstanding this tournament! #ENG

— Katie T♊️ (@Thorpy44) July 2, 2015

A shame to see Lucy Bronze come off injured, England's player of the tournament for me grown in confidence every game! #SSNHQ #WWC2015

— AshleyPettit95 (@AshleyPettit95) July 2, 2015

Alongside Bronze in the list of Golden Ball candidates are: Saori Ariyoshi (Japan), Amandine Henry (France), Julie Johnston (USA), Carli Lloyd (USA), Aya Miyama (Japan), Megan Rapinoe (USA), Celia Sasic (Germany).

The winner will be announced after Sunday’s final between the USA and Japan.