Chloe Kelly’s former teacher says “when the chips are down you can count on her” after she smashed in the winning penalty against Nigeria to send the Lionesses into the World Cup quarter-finals.
The striker, 25, also scored the winner in the Euros final against Germany in 2022 and on Monday helped rescue England’s World Cup hopes after Lauren James was sent off. Kelly came on as a substitute and went on to take the decisive spot-kick in the shootout after the game finished 0-0 in extra-time.
Her penalty was recorded at 69mph — the most powerful shot of the tournament so far. Peter Heffernan taught her at Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell, west London, and predicted when she was only 14 that she would go on to play for her country.
The science teacher, who was following Monday’s game on a Eurostar train during a holiday trip, said: “When Chloe stepped up to take the penalty I knew she would score. She’s as hard as nails in these situations and has the amazing ability to remain calm. When England needed her she was there and smashed it in.
“Things weren’t looking good for us but when the chips are down you can count on Chloe.”
He added: “I think that penalty and that win will be the catalyst for England moving forward in this competition. I’m so proud of her. She would have been desperate to get on the field. She has ice in her veins in these situations.”
England’s victory set up a quarter-final against Colombia at Sydney’s Olympic stadium on Saturday.
Kelly has now been reunited with boyfriend Scott, who has flown to Australia in time for the last-eight clash. She posted a picture with him, writing: “He’s finally here.”
Mr Heffernan has followed Kelly’s career closely since she left school. He even bet on her to score in the Euros final.
He added: “When she was at school I knew she was heading for greatness. I told her, ‘You will play for England one day’. But she was very humble and said something like: ‘Are you joking sir?’ Now she is a key member of the Lionesses and she has earned it.”
Her humility was on display when she consoled Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Kelly was brought up in Hanwell and is one of seven siblings. Neighbours said playing with five older brothers “toughened her up”.
While a pupil at Elthorne Park, she was spotted by scouts from Queens Park Rangers. She moved to Arsenal and made her first team debut at 17, scoring her first goal after 22 minutes. She now plays for Manchester City.
