Last summer, Chloe Kelly enjoyed the atmosphere surrounding the men’s European Championships, but she was unable to witness Team Great Britain’s ladies compete at the Tokyo Olympics. Kelly damaged her ACL in the penultimate game of the 2020-21 season in May, ruling her out of the team for Tokyo and the majority of the following season, and placing her in a race against the clock to recover in time for England’s Euro 2022 squad.
“I didn’t watch any of the Olympics because I couldn’t bear to,” admits Kelly, whose 13-month odyssey is mirrored by the serpentine scars on her right thigh as she sits at the team hotel in south-west London. “It was challenging, but I knew I had to concentrate on my rehabilitation and my journey at that moment.
Now that I’m here, I appreciate every second of being with the team and cheering on the girls on the field. I ask myself, “What can I do to encourage the players on the field, and how can I contribute when I do come on the field?” So, yes, it’s a new perspective, but I’m simply enjoying myself.”
Kelly was a lock for the Olympic team after scoring 10 goals from the wing for City before the end of the season. As a result of her knee injury, she is currently enjoying her first major international competition with a very different attitude.
The 24-year-old states, “I have a completely different outlook on life and a different perspective.” “I am enjoying myself; I am simply living in the moment and appreciating it.
“When something like that occurs to you and you’re gone from the game for so long, I don’t believe you’re fazed by it anymore. Unlike before, when my family asks whether I’m nervous before games, I don’t have the same level of nerves because I’m asking myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I’ve endured the worst… I must enjoy every moment and play without fear.”
She adds that this is a pleasant location. “You discover a great deal about yourself. I used to get a little too worked up at the moment, but now I’m simply living in the now and enjoying myself.
There is a laid-back atmosphere at the Lensbury hotel. Sarina Wiegman has exerted significant effort to create a training-based atmosphere that allows players autonomy. They search the streets of Teddington for the best coffee before retiring to the chill room to play basketball arcade games, darts, and pool. Others flee to watch Love Island while others watch other matches being played around the country.
If the squad advances to the finals, they will have been in camp for ten weeks, so allowing them to gradually open the door to their bubble has been crucial. It has also provided them a view into the public’s mood, as people stop to take socially distant selfies.
Kelly states, “You can see folks in the streets sending encouragement from across the street.” “It’s fantastic, very heartfelt, and it’s great to see England fans supporting the women.
“Last summer I attended games and thoroughly enjoyed the experience as a fan, and now to be a part of it is fantastic. I attended the final, and parties were held on the lawn to watch the games. As a child, I have always supported England, and my mother had flags outside her window and has done so again.
“This summer, the entire nation’s support for the women is astounding, and watching people chant Sweet Caroline after the games is fantastic.”
In England’s first two Group A games, Kelly came off the bench in the 64th minute at Old Trafford and the 70th minute against Norway. Now that England has topped the group with one game remaining, on Friday night against Northern Ireland, Kelly has a chance to make her debut.
“I believe we are all competing for a spot,” she explains. “We must all train well. The quality has been outstanding thus far in this tournament, and I believe that even the players who haven’t had a chance to play have brought quality to the training pitch, which I believe has a positive effect on the team as a whole. I believe we must all be prepared for the moment.”
Beth Mead’s electrifying version stands between Kelly and a spot in the starting XI. Kelly states, “She had a tremendous season and she’s on fire.” “It’s fantastic for her, and she’s a fantastic girl.
We’re just getting behind her and considering how we can help her bring out the best in herself since she’s doing so well. I believe we should all simply admire it and care for her, ensuring that she recovers properly. “If you give the ball to Beth, something will occur.”
