In the middle of the chaos at Letzigrund Stadium, with England’s Euro hopes hanging by a thread, Chloe Kelly stepped up to take yet another pressure-packed penalty.
Nerves were frayed, the tension was electric, and one mistake could’ve sent the Lionesses home.
But in true Chloe Kelly fashion, she stayed calm, took a deep breath—and smashed the ball into the back of the net.
Why Kelly Keeps Cool When It Matters Most
Penalty shootouts are never just about skill—they’re about psychology.
And when it comes to staying composed under pressure, Kelly is in a league of her own.
According to penalty expert Geir Jordet, a professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences, it’s not just the power in her shots (though that helps—her 69mph rocket at the 2023 World Cup was the fastest recorded that season).
It’s her mental preparation that makes her stand out.
Kelly doesn’t rush. She’s calculated, methodical.
In the recent Sweden game, she waited outside the box as the goalkeeper dealt with the ref.
Only when it was her moment did she approach the spot.
She touched the grass, adjusted the ball, took her time, and centered herself.
That, Jordet says, is the sign of someone in complete control.
That Smile? It Was Real
One moment stood out in particular—her smile.
Usually, a smile during a penalty is a red flag, Jordet explained.
It’s often a mask, a fake display of calm.
But not with Kelly. Her grin, aimed right at the Swedish keeper, was completely genuine.
She was relaxed. Confident. Ready.
After that, she stepped back, paused for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and began her signature run-up—a style so unique that even experts say they’ve never seen anything like it. Her kick? It was perfect.
Low, fast, and to the right—completely wrong-footing the keeper.
Penalty Stats and a Proven Track Record
Kelly’s record with penalties is solid: she’s taken nine in her career and scored seven.
All three of her England penalties have come during shootouts, and she’s never missed.
It’s no fluke—this is someone who has studied the art of pressure and turned it into performance.
What Fuels Kelly’s Calmness?
Kelly isn’t just mentally strong on the pitch—she brings bits of her personal life with her to every match.
Tucked under her socks are shinpads printed with a photo from her wedding day: her and husband Scott Moore (a former Everton groundsman), smiling with their dogs.
It’s a quiet reminder of home and love, even in the most intense moments.
She’s known for her pre-game naps, often sleeping for two hours before matches. Off the pitch, she’s laid-back.
But when her number is called, she transforms—like flipping a switch—into England’s game-saver.
A Season That Almost Went Sideways
Not long ago, Kelly’s spot on this England squad was far from guaranteed.
At the start of the year, she was benched at Manchester City after a falling-out with manager Gareth Taylor over contract talks.
Things got messy—public even. Kelly accused the club of trying to “assassinate my character,” and it took a toll on her mental health.
Taylor insisted it was all down to selection.
A Comeback Story with Arsenal
Everything changed in January. A loan to Arsenal gave Kelly the reset she needed.
She found her form again and played a crucial role in helping the Gunners reach the Champions League final. That run made Wiegman take notice.
Kelly went from being dropped by England to starting in the final against Barcelona—and winning a gold medal.
Three weeks ago, she made her move to Arsenal permanent.
The Super Sub Who Always Delivers
So far in this tournament, Kelly hasn’t started a game—but maybe that’s the point.
She’s one of Wiegman’s secret weapons—a “finisher” brought on when it matters most.
Her teammate Esme Morgan even said it best: “She seems to thrive on those moments when the team needs her to pull a performance out of the bag.”
And time and again, Kelly does just that. When the pressure is highest, when England are just inches from defeat, Chloe Kelly walks up, takes a breath—and saves the day.