Chloe Kelly a fitting hero in England's gritty Women's Euro 2025 victory over Spain

Straits Times

3 days ago

England's Chloe Kelly celebrating with the trophy and her teammates after beating Spain in the Women's Euro 2025 final at St Jakob-Park in Basel on July 27, 2025.
BASEL – It almost felt like football fate when Chloe Kelly stepped up to the penalty spot on July 27 against Spain, with the chance to make history for England in clinching their second consecutive women's European Championship title.
The 27-year-old, who had been doubtful to make Sarina Wiegman's Euro team only six months ago, did her trademark run-up, lifting her left leg and skipping onto her right, before launching a powerful shot into the top corner.
'Incredible game of football. I just came onto the pitch and wanted to make something happen,' Kelly said.
'Of course, taking the penalty, I actually missed three in training yesterday, (but) it's the belief in this squad, I'm really proud to be English right now and proud to be part of an amazing group of girls.'
Kelly was the hero in England's 2022 victory at Wembley, scoring in extra time before famously twirling her shirt above her head in celebration.
She came to the Lionesses' rescue several times in Switzerland, scoring in the shoot-out in their quarter-final victory over Sweden, and smashing home her own rebound of a missed penalty against Italy in the semis.
In the final, she came on for an injured Lauren James in the first half and duly provided the cross for Alessia Russo to head home a 57th-minute equaliser. Spain had opened the scoring on 25 minutes via a Mariona Caldentey header.
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'I was cool, I was composed and I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. I don't miss penalties twice,' Kelly said of her winning spot-kick.
Kelly's Switzerland story is remarkable considering back in January there were doubts she would make the Euro squad. She was barely playing for Manchester City and made a public plea to leave the club.
She called them 'dark days'.
Kelly's plea worked as she spent the rest of the season on a successful loan spell with Arsenal.
'I'm so grateful to be out the back end,' Kelly said. 'But if that's a story to tell someone that maybe experiences something the same that tough times don't last.
'Thank to everyone who wrote me off. I'm grateful.'
Wiegman wrapped the crying Kelly in a long embrace.
'Everybody brings something different and she brings this,' Wiegman said. 'She has been fighting to come back and to be at her highest level. She really wanted to take that penalty of course, and celebrate that.'
Kelly did not wait long to celebrate. Before starting a television interview, she grabbed the mic to sing along to 'Sweet Caroline' being belted out by the England crowd at St Jakob-Park.
'It is going to be crazy,' she said of the reception back home. 'I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.'
England captain Leah Williamson said she had a feeling her team was going to win.
'(I feel) total disbelief – but at the same time, I knew it was going to happen. There's always a moment when I think, right girls, let's turn it on,' said Williamson, whose penalty during the shoot-out was saved.
'The way we defended as a team, nothing came through us. It felt like it was going to be our day.'
The Lionesses, who lost to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, have talked about legacy in Switzerland.
'It's a huge moment. Every girl out there with that dream – you can do it,' Kelly said. 'Keep shooting for the stars.'
Wiegman, meanwhile, has built her own legacy as one of the greats.
The Lionesses had never won any major tournament before Wiegman arrived in 2021, and now they have won back-to-back Euros while also reaching a first Women's World Cup final.
They have rarely done it easily, with just three wins out of nine in major tournament knockout matches under the Dutchwoman coming inside 90 minutes.
But her influence is obvious, given the way England's players speak about her, and Wiegman's record is remarkable.
She has been to five consecutive finals between European Championships and World Cups, and has won three straight Euros, having led her native Netherlands to victory in 2017 before taking charge of England.
Ahead of the final, Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham was asked if there was any price that would sway the FA to let her leave. He said: 'No price at all... We've got a really special coach and I think we should all recognise that.' REUTERS