England hero Chloe Kelly reveals Arsenal legend inspired iconic goal celebration
Sarina Wiegman's escapology experts battled back from the brink again last night and rescued another impossible situation.
Underdogs Italy led until the 97th minute, courtesy of Barbara Bonansea's first half strike, before teenage substitute Michelle Agyemang enhanced her burgeoning reputation with a dramatic equaliser.
After their astonishing penalty shootout win over Sweden in the previous round, the Lionesses looked certain to go the distance again with both teams showing major signs of fatigue in extra time.
But, after Emma Severini was penalised for grapping with Beth Mead, Kelly was afforded the chance to win the contest from the spot in the final minute of extra time.
The Arsenal forward, who was only one of three out of seven England players to convert from 12 yards against the Swedes, saw her effort saved by Laura Giuliani but displayed all of her natural goalscoring instincts to pounce on the rebound.
Kelly reacted by mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo's 'calma' celebration, before nonchalantly posing by the corner flag.
'It was actually just more like chill out, I was going to score the tap-in,' she said in her post match press conference.
'I think I got a lot of people nervous with missing the penalty but chill it was OK. And then yeah, Thierry Henry inspired me with that second one.'
Kelly, who scored the winning goal three years ago in the final against Germany, has enjoyed a renaissance over the course of the last six months.
Having been frozen out by Manchester City last season, the 27-year-old contemplated quitting the sport before she returned to Arsenal on loan and rediscovered her love for the game after playing a part in the Gunners' Champions League winning campaign.
Asked where she gets her confidence, Kelly said, 'Myself.'
'The moments when in January I felt like giving up football makes you so grateful for these moments here today, and this makes you enjoy every minute of that,' said Kelly, who did her trademark prancing penalty run-up.
'I think confidence comes from within, but from around you as well. The players that we stand side by side with on the pitch give confidence in each other.'
Wiegman, meanwhile, predicted much more to come from 'something special'Agyemang after the 19-year-old saved England from the brink of elimination for the second time in the competition.
Agyemang has scored three times in her first four appearances for the defending champions. More Trending Pubs can stay open until 1am for England vs Italy Euros semi final
'She has something special,' Wiegman said of Agyemang, who levelled with less than two minutes remaining in second-half stoppage time.
'She's only 19-years-old, she's very mature, she knows exactly what she has to do.
'When you talk about little things that she picks up straight away, because she's not only in the 18-yard box very dangerous but when we have to go to her as a target player, she keeps the ball really well too.
'Even when you saw her shot hit the crossbar, that was not just a shot, she was aiming for it. If she continues like this she has a very bright future.'
MORE: Ian Wright sends warning to 'lucky' Lionesses after reaching Euro 2025 final
MORE: Jess Carter proves there's no room for error as a Black player
MORE: The Ian Wright vs Eni Aluko beef explained as Arsenal legend returns to ITV coverage
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
2 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Rangers eye La Liga ace and 39-cap Arsenal man as Celtic told to 'raise' bid for Serie A star
Latest transfer news and speculation across Scottish football Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Here is your Wednesday evening Scottish football transfer bulletin including interest in Scotland midfielder John McGinn, new names linked with Rangers and Celtic, Hibs bidding to sign a Zambian internationalist and Hearts making their ninth signing of the summer. John McGinn wanted Newcastle are reportedly weighing up a move for Aston Villa captain John McGinn. Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his midfield options after Sean Langstaff was sold to Leeds for £12million. And according to the Daily Mail, the Magpies boss has placed McGinn high on his list of targets. The Scotland midfielder, who has two years left on his contract, has already been the subject of interest from Everton. Villa boss Unai Emery does not want to lose his skipper, but Villa need to sell players this window with the report insinuating that McGinn could be ready for a fresh challenge after seven years in Birmingham. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Aston Villa captain John McGinn has emerged as a transfer target for Newcastle. | Getty Images Rangers eye La Liga ace and 39-cap Arsenal man Rangers have been linked with another two transfer targets after making winger Oliver Antman their ninth signing of the window earlier this week as Russell Martin's summer rebuild continues. Reports in Spain have credited the Ibrox side with an interest in Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy. Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are said to be keen to sign the 20-year-old Frenchman, but a deal is not close as things stand. Mendy, a 6ft 2in left-sided centre-back, joined Betis from Paris FC in 2023 but has featured mostly for the B team, making only five first-team appearances. He was set to join PSV Eindhoven earlier this summer before the move break down to the Dutch side using up their quota for foreign imports. Rangers could still face competition for Mendy though with Rayo Vallecano and Club Brugge also credited with an interest in the defender. The Light Blues have also been linked with a move for 23-year-old Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein. The 36-times capped Estonia international spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid and is also said to be on the radar of La Liga side Sevilla. His only first-team appearance for Arsenal came in a 3-1 defeat to Brighton in the EFL Cup almost three years ago. Real Betis defender Nobel Mendy (left) is a reported transfer target for Rangers. (Photo by) | Getty Images Gunn signs for Forest Nottingham Forest have signed Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn on a one-year deal following his release from Norwich. Gunn, 29, who featured in every game for Scotland at Euro 2024, made 35 appearances for Norwich in the Sky Bet Championship last season and 172 in total during two spells at his hometown club. Forest said: 'Nottingham Forest is pleased to confirm the signing of Angus Gunn, who has signed a one-year-deal. Everyone at the club warmly welcomes Angus to the Forest family.' Gunn signed his first professional contract at Manchester City having started out at Norwich and also had a spell at Southampton before returning to Carrow Road in 2021. He has been capped 16 times by Scotland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad United striker departs Dundee United striker Jort van der Sande has returned to the Netherlands to join second-tier side SC Cambuur on a permanent transfer. The 29-year-old forward failed to score in 35 appearances during his sole season at Tannadice. A club statement read: 'Everyone at Dundee United would like to thank Jort for his professionalism, commitment and contributions during his time in tangerine, as we extend our best wishes for his future endeavours.' Celtic must 'raise' bid for Serie A star Celtic have been credited with an interest in Slovakia international Adam Obert. Sardinian outlet L'Unione Sarda report that the Scottish champions have already made contact with Serie A side Cagliari regarding a potential transfer fee for the 22-year-old defender, with an initial proposal rejected. The report states: "The Slovakian defender, on the other hand, is wanted by Celtic, but even the champions of the last Scottish Premier League failed to reach the right figures to reach an agreement. A raise will be necessary to see them leave." A report in the Daily Record also claims that Celtic remain interested in Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha, with a possible return to the Japanese market also mooted following the summer arrivals of Shin Yamada and Hayato Inamura. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Adam Obert of Cagliari is a reported transfer target for Celtic. (Photo by) | Getty Images Hibs target Zambian midfielder Hibs are reportedly attempting to sign BSC Young Boys midfielder Miguel Chaiwa. The 21-year-old midfielder, who can also deputise in defence, has 11 caps for the Zambia national team. He has played in the Champions League with the Swiss club, featuring as a substitute against Celtic last season, but looks set to leave after being left out of the matchday squads for his club's opening two league fixtures. According to Hibs Observer, Hibs have entered negotiations with Young Boys over a move for Chaiwa, with French side Montpellier also credited with an interest. Hearts finally land Kabore Derek McInnes is confident Pierre Landry Kabore can build on his prolific stint in Estonia after the Burkina Faso forward was finally able to complete his transfer to Hearts on a three-year contract. The 24-year-old arrived in Edinburgh last month after the Jambos agreed a deal to sign him for an undisclosed fee, but he had to endure a longer wait than envisaged to get his work permit and was unable to feature in Monday's William Hill Premiership opener against Aberdeen. Hearts announced on Wednesday that the signing of Kabore, who made his international debut earlier this year, had now been formalised. McInnes was looking forward to being able to utilise a player who accumulated 33 goals and 10 assists in his 51 matches since moving to Estonian top-flight club JK Narva Trans from SOL FC of Ivory Coast at the start of 2024. 'It's obviously taken a bit longer than we'd have liked to get Landry in but he's here now and I'm pleased to get it done,' the manager told Hearts' website. His stats over the past couple of seasons speak for themselves so we're hoping he'll bring something a bit different to what we've currently got in our forward areas. He's a big, mobile guy and very adaptable in that he can play across the front, so that versatility is a big plus. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scottish Sun
2 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Had to be a big boy' – Frank Lampard says he has no intention of swapping Coventry for TV studio despite play-off blow
Lampard worked as a TV pundit last season but prefers the trials and tribulations of managing Coventry frank admission 'Had to be a big boy' – Frank Lampard says he has no intention of swapping Coventry for TV studio despite play-off blow Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FRANK LAMPARD accepts he is a glutton for punishment. One of the Premier League's greatest ever stars has had to deal with more than his fair share of 'hurt' as a boss having been brutally sacked by both Chelsea and Everton. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Frank Lampard was left devastated after a last minute Sunderland goal prevented his Coventry side making it to Wembley Credit: Getty 2 Lampard featured regularly as a pundit before joining Coventry Credit: Getty That followed his experience of suffering Wembley play-off final heartache when he was cutting his managerial teeth in charge of Derby. And if that wasn't enough to put him off the managerial lark, he watched on helplessly as Coventry were cruelly defeated in the play-off semi at Sunderland last May. But, no matter, the Coventry boss says he has no intention of swapping cold, wet Tuesday nights in Stoke for the comfort of the TV studio like fellow Prem icons. And nor does Lamps have any plans to work on his handicap on the golf course rather than patrolling the training ground like other ex-pros. READ MORE ON FRANK LAMPARD ROLEX Win an incredible Rolex Starbucks Submariner or £12k cash alternative from just 89p But, instead, he's relishing the challenge of leading the Sky Blues from the depths of despair to another tilt at Prem promotion. Lampard had to fight back the tears when Cov were dramatically denied a place in the Championship play-off final by Dan Ballard's dramatic last-gasp winner on Wearside in May. The cruel finale meant there was no fairytale ending for the Sky Blues who were 17th when Lampard took charge following Mark Robins' sacking. But, in an exclusive SunSport interview, Lampard, 47, has admitted he can't wait to give it another go. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 'Ex-players have their choices in terms of what they want to do with their lives,' Lampard told SunSport. 'They can play golf, they can go into punditry or they can just go into a different line of work. Emotional Frank Lampard struggles through Sky Sports interview after Coventry's gut-wrenching play-off defeat 'I was 38, 39 I was when I finished and there's still a long way to go in your life and management is my line of work. 'And I have to admit I love doing what I do. I love working with the players. I love being on the training pitch. I love working with people. 'Everyone has their choices and I've made my choice and this is a challenging career but there's also a lot of pluses to it. 'I've pitted my wits against elite managers in the Champions League, managed at Chelsea, at Everton and at Derby and every single experience is valuable.' And, win or lose, there seems little chance that Chelsea legend Lampard, who won 11 major trophies in 13 years at Stamford Bridge, will not see things in perspective. But surely he found it difficult to pick himself up after what happened at the Stadium of Light? 'Yes and no,' says Lampard with a smile. 'If you ask my wife, she'll say yes, but if you ask me, I've been there before. 'I've had what I think you can describe as a really good playing career and managerial career. 'But within that, there's ups and downs all the time and that comes with the football territory. 'There are some things you can't quite control – like the Sunderland game in the end. 'But I've got a bit more balance about things like that at the moment even though they really hurt at the time. 'I had to be a big boy and make sure it didn't ruin my summer and it helps that I've developed a good work-life balance. 'I've got children who are all happy and healthy, so you just keep plugging away, sticking at it, giving it your best shot.' And that will mean turning pain into gain at the CBS Arena after the agonising near-miss. 'It was turning into a special story - we were one step away from Wembley and playing really well, particularly in those playoff games,' he added. 'It ultimately came down to small details - chances you don't convert and a header that comes off a shoulder and goes in. 'There was deep disappointment but you get over that because it's football and you have no choice but to start again. 'I spoke to lot of people over the summer. I met Coventry fans and neutrals and they all told me how well we'd done. 'That made me feel proud but my job is to understand that the hard work starts again.' Lampard added: 'We'd made all these strides and then when you miss out, you feel as manager of a club that you have a big responsibility in it. 'I still had a relatively good summer because I was with my family and had a break. 'But there were things, I was thinking all the time. I'm just thinking how can we do better and how can we try and start the season better. 'I can't wait to get back to the competitive games. I'm raring to go.'
Scottish Sun
2 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Son Heung-min breaks down in tears as he bids Tottenham goodbye in MLS record transfer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TEARFUL Son Heung-min claimed his Spurs exit came at the perfect time after completing his MLS-record transfer to LAFC. The Tottenham skipper, 33, last night joined the Los Angeles outfit in a deal worth more than £20million. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 An emotional Son Heung-min gave a touching farewell to Tottenham fans Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 2 Son's decade in N17 was capped with Europa League final victory in May Credit: PA Play Dream Team now! Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season Free to play Over £100,000 in total prize money Play in Mini Leagues against your mates Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw Play via Dream Team's app or website today! It closed the door on a decade of service in North London for the South Korean icon, which was capped by his lifting of the Europa League trophy in May. Addressing Spurs fans in a weepy address on the club's website, Son said: 'It was probably one of the hardest decisions I ever made so please don't be disappointed, I will be disappointed not seeing you on the pitch. 'I will always be in your history books and Spurs will always be in my heart, my family and as a kid you welcomed me and as a grown-up I'm leaving you, but there's always good timing. 'I always wanted to leave in a perfect way where people can think about me in happy and proud moments and this is the right time to say goodbye. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL 'Sell him at half time' Arsenal fans demand struggling star be AXED after shocking display 'I love you all, thank you for amazing support for the ten years. Ten years is a lot. A lot of goals and a lot of good memories. 'Now we are all crying but next time when we see each other I hope everyone is smiling.' Son scored 173 goals - including 127 in the Premier League - and registered 101 assists during his 454 appearances for the club, with the Europa League his sole trophy. His personal accolades included the Prem golden boot in 2021-22 and the famed Puskas award in 2020, given to the best goal in the world in the previous year, for his unbelievable solo effort against Burnley in 2019. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Son, who arrived at Spurs in 2015 for £22m from Bayer Leverkusen, joins LAFC as their new marquee player following the exit of former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud to Arsenal. Chairman Daniel Levy added: 'Sonny is one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous Lilywhite shirt and he has been a joy to watch over the past decade. 'Not only is he a wonderfully gifted footballer, but he's also an incredible human being who has touched hearts and inspired people throughout the club and all over the world. 'The Europa League triumph in Bilbao was a truly magical moment in the club's history and Sonny lifting the trophy is a perfect lasting memory from his fantastic decade at Tottenham Hotspur. 'Sonny has given so much to this club, both on and off the pitch, and for that we are forever grateful. 'We wish him all the best for the future, and he will always be welcome back at the club as a beloved and cherished member of our Spurs family.'
