Kelly joins the top table of England greats with second winner in Euros final

England's gamechanger and history-maker made the difference in another final to add to legendary status

- Sophie Downey

To score the goal that wins your nation a European Championship once is memorable. To do it twice is legendary. Chloe Kelly has written herself into the history books once again as she fired home the penalty to secure back-to-back titles for England, the Lionesses becoming the first England team to lift a trophy away from home.

There was no iconic celebration this time but a smile, a point at the England fans behind the goal and a roar of unbridled joy as she was smothered by teammates. It was symbolic of the difference between 2022 and now - the jubilance of the moment that propelled the Lionesses to the top of Europe at Wembley versus the calm, mature group that have battled, dug in deep and constantly found a way to get themselves over the line.

As Kelly made the long walk up to the penalty spot with the weight of a nation on her shoulders, there was really very little doubt about the outcome. Lucy Bronze on the touchline was telling her team to calm down, a series of hand gestures that signalled to everyone that she knew her teammate had it under control. Two steps over the ball, a little smile, a fiddle with her ponytail and then the infamous hop before burying her strike high past Cata Coll.