'Chloe Kelly was always destined for greatness'23 minutes ago Share Save Share SaveGetty Images Chloe Kelly scored England's winning penalty at the Euro 2025 finalChloe Kelly's former PE teacher has said the England striker was "always destined for greatness", after her decisive penalty sealed victory in the Euro 2025 final. Julie Curley, who taught Kelly at Elthorne Park High School in Hanwell, west London, told BBC Radio London it was "unbelievable" to see her former pupil once again deliver for her country. "Honestly, it is absolutely unbelievable yet again. What a moment for a victory," she said. Kelly scored the winning penalty in England's 3-1 shootout win over Spain on Sunday night in Basel.It marks the first time a senior England side has won a major tournament outside of the UK, while the Lionesses also became the first senior English side to defend their title. Ms Curley said Kelly's determination and focus had stood out from the moment she joined secondary school. "When she first started high school, her talent was on a different scale even at that point," she said. "Chloe was determined and always destined for greatness. Everything that she did was about her football and about trying to be the best player she could possibly be. "Her commitment and dedication to her training and striving to be the best was unmatched."Getty Images Ms Curley said her former pupil was "always destined for greatness"Kelly, 27, has now scored the decisive goal or penalty in two consecutive European Championship finals. Her extra-time winner against Germany in 2022 became one of the most iconic images in English football history when she celebrated by swinging her shirt above her head at Wembley. Ms Curley said: "When you think of all the crunch moments in this tournament alone and in the past – nerves of steel. Just completely inspirational. Eyes on the prize 24/7." Although she no longer works at Elthorne Park, Ms Curley said Kelly remains a huge inspiration for the school's pupils. "She continues to inspire young people," she said. "Girls' football is going from strength to strength and young people just want to be like her and play like her and be successful." "I had a message from my family in Ireland last night. My cousin's daughter was watching the final and talking about practising her penalties at summer camp… she knows who she is and that's her favourite player. I thought that was really quite special," Ms Curley added.
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