‘Never take it for granted’: Chloe Kelly on being back with the Lionesses | OneFootball

As Chloe Kelly arrives to speak to the nation’s media, her joy at being back with England is unmistakable. Sitting down with a relaxed grin, it would be easy to forget this was a player whose place with the Lionesses was under question a few weeks ago.

The forward has many reasons to smile these days. Back in the England squad directly – she initially missed the last camp due to lack of playing time before receiving a late call due to an injury to Beth Mead – she made three starts for Arsenal across eight days at the end of last month. She played an integral role as they retained second place in the Women’s Super League and made a remarkable comeback against Real Madrid to reach the Champions League semi-finals. It is the kind of form that has reignited her chances of making the European Championships this summer.

“I’m feeling really good at the moment,” she says. “Wearing the England badge again is an amazing feeling and you never take [it] for granted. I knew I needed to get minutes in my tank and I’ve definitely done that … I think it’s important that you get that smile on your face. Nothing to do with being a footballer; just as a human, it’s important.

“Right now, I’m learning so much in the environment that I’m in. I am doing the same here. I’m a player who always wants to get better. I’m probably my own worst critic as well which is important. There’s definitely more to come from me.”

Kelly is an example of how quickly things can change in football – how a player can go from being cut adrift to suddenly becoming a key piece of the puzzle. It has been a turbulent season for the 27-year-old. Finding herself out in the cold at Manchester City with only four starts in all competitions by the winter break, the forward went public on social media about her desire to change clubs. Her plea paid off as she secured a deadline day loan move to Arsenal, a return to the team she had joined at the age of 12.

“I think you look back on every decision you make and hope that it works out for you,” she explains. “Right now, I’m playing plenty of minutes and I’m enjoying my football. I feel like I’m learning under Renée [Slegers]. I’m here and I’ve got an opportunity to represent my country again, which is a huge honour.”

Relationships have flourished with compatriots Alessia Russo and Mead on and off the pitch after the move. In the past week, she has assisted both, with her deliveries from wide areas becoming a key component of Arsenal’s success. There is hope this synergy will translate to the international stage during England’s upcoming double-header with Belgium in the Women’s Nations League – at Ashton Gate on Friday and in Leuven next Tuesday.

“It’s great to be alongside so many great players, both at club and country,” she says. “I think to be surrounded by those players is important for my learning and pushing myself every day. I can just learn what Alessia is doing and how I can match that to be at my best to help her score goals; Beth as well. I think the connection off the pitch is really important.”

There is no doubt that Kelly is one of the most talked-about footballers of her generation. The winning goal against Germany and subsequent celebration were lasting images of the Lionesses’ famous Euro 2022 victory that etched her name into the history books. For Kelly, though, she tries to avoid the noise.

“I don’t really look at social media or the media too much,” she says. “Once I’m away from the pitch, I focus on enjoying myself and my family and friends, and I think that allows me to be at my best.”

“It’s about having people around you that allow you to do that. Mine is also my dog [Brody]. When I come away from the pitch, I take the boys for a walk. They’re my little sons. That’s the way I look after myself and switch off.”

As for her future with both club and country, Kelly doesn’t think about it too much. “I take each day as it comes and I work hard every day to put myself in the best possible position for the next day,” she says. “I don’t look too far ahead in anything. I’m just having fun. I’m back in London with my family and I’m appreciating the little things in life … Right now, I’m just focused on tomorrow and being the best version of myself, and hopefully that puts me in the best possible position come the summer.”

Header image: [Photograph: Harriet Lander/The FA/Getty Images]