England’s Euros success was sealed in familiar fashion on Sunday, with Chloe Kelly producing the decisive kick of the ball.
The winger had scored the Lionesses winner in the Wembley final against Germany back in 2023 to secure a maiden continental crown.
Kelly was on hand again in Basel three years on, as she netted from the spot to secure a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over Spain to retain the title.
While the sight of Kelly wheeling away in celebration may have been familiar, her penalty technique is unique across both the women’s and men’s game.
Kelly has typically approached the spot and spins the ball before placing it onto the spot.
After stepping back, Kelly begins her run up with one knee raised before skipping forward, striding towards the ball and striking it goalwards.
Chloe Kelly has shed light into her penalty technique after England’s Euro 2025 triumph
Kelly converted the winning penalty as England beat Spain 3-1 in the final on Sunday
Kelly, who scored the winner in the Euro 2022 final, has spoken about her unique approach
Speaking to the BBC, Kelly explained that she first began using the technique as a teenager at Everton, and stressed the importance of having the same routine.
‘It’s something that just works for me. I can’t explain it too much,’ Kelly said.
‘I actually spoke with one of the coaches the other day about it. It’s just my routine that works for me. I take my time, I take my breath, and I’m confident in that.
‘Taking a penalty normally would probably feel a bit weird to me. It’s just my routine.’
When asked about why she spins the ball before placing it on the spot, Kelly added ‘It’s just making sure that I am ready, not letting anyone take me off my routine.
‘I spin the ball so I feel like it is right and then, when I am ready, there is no amount of time, that’s just when I feel that’s the perfect one.’
The 27-year-old has now taken 11 penalties during her club and international career, with three of those coming during England’s run to the Euro 2025 title.
Kelly has scored eight of those penalties, with one of the misses coming in the semi-final against Italy only for the winger converting the rebound to send England to the final.
The winger typically spins the ball before placing it onto the penalty spot during her routine
The England star is typically seen raising her left leg before springing forward into a run up
The winger declared after the final that she ‘was adamant I wasn’t missing two on the bounce’.
Her powerful penalty was sealed England’s victory maintained her perfect record for the Lionesses in shoot-outs, with four scored.
Mail Sport spoke to penalty expert Geir Jordet – Professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and author of Pressure: Lessons from the Psychology of the Penalty Shootout about Kelly’s technique during the Euros.
Speaking after Kelly’s successful penalty in the quarter-final shootout win over Sweden, Jordet highlighted how the winger appeared in control throughout.
‘I love how she approaches the spot,’ Jordet says. ‘The goalkeeper was interacting with the referee, and Chloe just waited outside. When Falk stepped onto the line, that’s when Chloe moved in and took 10 seconds to engage with the spot.
‘First she examined it with her feet, then brushed the ball on the grass. I don’t know the purpose of that, but she took her time. That shows a player in control.
‘Then she places the ball carefully, steps up and stands over it to think, “Okay, should I step back? Is the goalkeeper ready?”‘
‘The referee’s whistle goes as she steps back. She doesn’t let it distract her.
Kelly has remained perfect in shootouts for England, scoring with four attempts from four
Her unique approach typically has seen Kelly produce powerfully struck penalties
Kelly was among the England stars at the centre of the Lionesses parade in London on Tuesday
‘When she walked back, you could see her smile. Usually when I see a penalty-taker smile, I think, “This isn’t a good sign”. Players often pretend they’re fine, which means they’re focused on appearing calm instead of on the shot itself.
‘But that wasn’t the case with Kelly’s smile. It was a genuine reaction to Falk. She seemed truly relaxed in that moment.
‘She finishes her walk back and stands for almost five seconds. The last thing she does before starting her trademark run-up is take a deep breath.
‘Then comes the initiation (run-up). I’m not a biomechanic, but I admire the psychological aspect – it’s so different and so unique. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone, male or female, do anything like it. The courage to do that under pressure is admirable.
‘Finally, the kick. She has a powerful shot to her left, with pace and precision. But this time she angled her foot and turned it to the right. The Swedish goalkeeper went the wrong way.
‘No one else in the shootout did that. It looks like she tricked the keeper at the last moment. If that’s the case – and it’s hard to say for sure – then her technique is exceptional.’
