England winger, Chloe Kelly described the Lionesses’ comeback over Italy to reach UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final as “unbelievable”.
Kelly scored her 119th-minute winner on the rebound after Laura Giulliani blocked her penalty following Emma Severini’s foul on Beth Mead.
England however had stared the end of their title defence down a barrel after Barbara Bonansea put Italy ahead in the 33rd minute, before substitute, Michelle Agyemang struck in the sixth minute of injury time to restore parity.
The result meant that England qualified for a third consecutive final in all major tournaments but Kelly is now keen to once again go a step further and retain their Euro title as she spoke to the media post-match of her feelings about the comeback victory.
“It’s unbelievable, such a great feeling. This team deserve nothing but that.
“Three finals on the bounce and we want more. This is an unbelievable feeling.”
Kelly however admitted that her penalty wasn’t meant to go in as a rebound winner but iterated that she was ready to attempt the successful follow-up of Giulliani’s save.
“I just try my best for the team. It wasn’t supposed to go in like that but I was ready for the rebound like I’m ready for any opportunity given to me wearing an England badge.
“I was confident obviously but the keeper had done her homework. Luckily I got there for the tap-in.”
Kelly also complimented 19-year-old Agyemang for again rescuing England from the jaws of defeat to force extra-time, like she had done against Sweden in the Quarter-Finals.
“Big Mich at it again! She is unbelievable and has got the world at her feet.
“A young player with a bright future and I am absolutely buzzing for her. This team shows resilience again and we fight back.”
With a blockbuster final against the winner of Germany’s semi-final against Spain now lying ahead, Kelly is eager to see the team avoid giving the nation and those inside the stadium another emotional rollercoaster in the showpiece.
“Hopefully we can make it a little bit easier for ourselves – we don’t need that panic.
“We have hope, we have belief and we have the quality. We need to keep at it.”