Chloe Kelly has opened up about the unwavering confidence that saw her score the winning penalty in the Euro 2025 final, despite missing three spot-kicks in training beforehand. The England forward revealed that her unique run-up, which includes spinning the ball, stamping either side of the circle, and raising her left leg, is a routine she developed as a teenager at Everton. 'It is something that just works for me,' she said. 'Taking a penalty normally would feel a bit weird to me.'
Kelly's composure under pressure was evident when she thumped her penalty past Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll, with a fleeting side-eye that some Spanish media deemed 'unnecessary'. However, Kelly insisted her focus was on celebrating with fans. 'I don't miss penalties twice,' she said, referencing her saved spot-kick in the semi-final against Italy. Her confidence has been crucial for England, with Kelly scoring the decisive fifth penalty in three of the four shootouts England have won under Sarina Wiegman.
Remarkably, Kelly almost missed the tournament entirely after being frozen out at Manchester City. The 27-year-old admitted she was in a 'dark place' and considered quitting football before a January loan move to Arsenal. 'She gave me hope, when I probably didn’t have any,' Kelly said of Wiegman. After winning the Champions League with Arsenal, Kelly regained her form and became a key figure for England, providing assists in the quarter-final and final, and scoring the winner in the semi-final.
Kelly credited her family and teammates for helping rebuild her confidence. 'There were a lot of tears at full time, especially when I saw my family,' she said. Lucy Bronze praised Kelly's ability to thrive under pressure: 'When she’s on the pitch, no matter what, she’s going to push her shoulders back, big up her chest and she’s going to go for it.' Esme Morgan added, 'Chloe just doesn’t care what other people think.'
Reflecting on her remarkable year, Kelly said: 'Round the corner was a Champions League final – won that – and now a Euros final – won that. So thank you, everyone that wrote me off.' Her journey from the brink of quitting to becoming England's hero epitomises the resilience that has defined the team's success under Wiegman.
