‘She thrives off these opportunities’ – Kelly always ready for England says captain Bright | OneFootball

England captain Millie Bright says that forward Chloe Kelly thrives off the Lionesses’ high-pressure moments in tournaments.

After scoring the winning goal in last summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO and the decisive penalty kick in the inaugural Women’s Finalissima in April, Kelly again stepped up to the mark against Nigeria earlier this week, netting England’s final goal in a 4-2 shootout victory.

Kelly is a player that hasn’t always been given the minutes that she has deserved in an England shirt but she has never let the country down in those match-winning moments.

When speaking on the latest edition of Lionesses Down Under, England captain Bright said that Kelly thrives from the high-pressure challenges.

“When she shoots in training, I’m always in shock with the power that goes behind each shot,” Bright said. “People usually say they’d get out of the way for me, but I’d suggest getting out of the way for Chloe when she’s behind the ball.

“It was unbelievable for her to stay so composed and be ready to step up and get the job done. She loves these moments. I think she thrives off these opportunities and credit to her for always being ready. She’s always there to step up, which is never easy, but she comes prepared every time.”

England were held to a goalless draw by Nigeria after 120 minutes in Brisbane. The Lionesses played the final few minutes of normal time and all of extra-time with 10 players following the dismissal of attacker Lauren James for violent conduct. Bright went on to say that head coach Sarina Wiegman was proud of the team for overcoming a difficult task.

The defender said “She was really proud of us. To overcome the challenges that we faced in that game – going to extra-time and then penalties – and we still stuck together with everyone playing a part and their role. I think as a manager, you can’t really ask for much more from a team other than to stay together and get the job done under difficult circumstances.”

England face Colombia in their FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 quarter-final in Sydney on Saturday.