Kelly scored the decisive penalty as England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties to successfully defend the European Cup title they won three years ago. The exciting match ended 1-1 at the end of extra time.
On Sunday in Basel, Switzerland, Spain dominated possession and made the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Oana Batlle's cross caught the England defense off guard, allowing Mariona Caldente to head past Hannah Hampton's keeper.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
England struggled due to Lauren James' poor performance with an ankle injury, but Kelly came on just before halftime and it proved to be a godsend for England head coach Sarina Wigman.
Kelly helped plug a hole in the left side of England's defense and delivered a cross for Alecia Russo to equalize in the 57th minute, who headed in her precise assist.
Spain continued to monopolize possession, but were unable to add another goal before the end of regulation time. The match went into extra time where they kept up the pressure but were unable to break through the England defense and the match ended 1-1.
Spain made an excellent start to the penalty shootout as Catalina Colley pounced on Beth Meade's shot, but England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton stepped up to the plate and saved penalties from Caldentay and Aitana Bomarti to put England in the driver's seat.
Coley again got Spain back into the game with a one-handed save from Leah Williamson's shot, but Spain substitute Salma Paralillo then kicked the penalty wide.
It set the stage for Kelly to repeat her 2022 heroics when she scored the extra-time winner against Germany at Wembley Stadium to win the title for her side.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Kelly fired the ball into the net in her trademark jumping run-up style before running off in ecstasy to celebrate with her teammates in front of the England fans.
“I'm very proud, very proud of this team, very honored to wear this badge, I'm very proud to be English ...... I was cool, I was calm and I knew I was going to kick the ball into the goal,” Kelly said.
Spain trailed for just four minutes throughout the tournament - and not even by a second against England - but failed to win their first European title.
It was the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1984 that the final had been decided on penalties - a game in which England were beaten by Sweden.
“This team is unbelievable, unbelievable,” England goalkeeper Hampton said in an interview with the BBC.
"We showed throughout the tournament that when we went a goal down we were able to fight back. We have that tenacity. We never give up - we just persevere and we did that today."
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