Chloe Kelly is relaxed about her role within the England squad as the Women’s World Cup looms on the horizon.
Kelly wrote her name into Lionesses folklore last summer when scoring the winner against Germany in the Euro 2022 final, as England triumphed in a major tournament for the first time. But she did so after coming off the bench – her regular role in the tournament as one of Sarina Wiegman’s impact players.
Kelly is back to full fitness with Manchester City this season after missing much of 2021-22 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Along with fellow England winger Lauren Hemp, the 25-year-old has helped City go on a lengthy unbeaten run that has put them back in the Women’s Super League title conversation.
She is determined to play a big part when England go searching for another major trophy this summer, with the Lionesses likely to be one of the favourites for the tournament when it kicks off. But the London native also believes it is important that each member of the squad is willing to play their part, regardless of whether they are in the starting XI or not.
“Of course I’ve got my eye on a starting place,” Kelly told Sky Sports. “Everyone wants to start the game. But I also think that knowing your role is really good.
“Having a clear understanding of that is important – that is exactly what I did in the summer (at the Euros). I knew my role and I knew when I went onto the pitch, I had to make an impact. But I think I played without any pressure because of that.
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“I went out and could enjoy myself and play with freedom to try and make something happen. I always have a vision in my head and dream of the big moments.
“And, of course, playing in the World Cup is every player’s dream. Nearer the time, I’ll have those dreams and visions of what I’ll do. But, for now, I’m just focusing on my club, England and being in a good place come the summer.”
Kelly only just won her race against fitness to make the Euros squad last summer, but this time is hoping to have a full season of football under her belt before representing England on the biggest stage. Competition is typically fierce in the Lionesses forward line, with the likes of Lauren James, Ebony Salmon, Nikita Parris and Katie Robinson pushing for wide roles, although Beth Mead’s injury may improve Kelly’s chances of a starting XI place.
The City star also admitted that despite becoming the hero of the Euros final, her return from injury hasn’t always been smooth and that she struggled at the start of the season. “The first half of the season was a difficult one for myself,” Kelly added. “I put myself under a lot of pressure. I was feeling good in moments but then not always having the best of games.
“My injury wasn’t too long ago. But I was putting myself under so much pressure to be at the level I was before my injury. The summer masked everything that happened in the 11 months before that.
“It took me a while to understand my body and realise I’m not going to be at that level straight away. I need to keep improving week-by-week, but I feel like I’m in a really good place now on the pitch.”
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