Kelly seals glory again as England win Finalissima in penalty shootout

It was deja vu at a jumping Wembley, as Chloe Kelly scored the winner in the inaugural Finalissima, this time in a penalty shootout. Kelly had been the hero last summer, scoring the extra-time winner to seal victory in the Euro 2022 final against Germany. This time the stakes weren’t as high, but another trophy was secured, and manager Sarina Wiegman’s unbeaten run was extended to 30 games, with the Dutch manager yet to experience defeat with her European champions.

A stunning team goal finished by Ella Toone had torn apart Copa América Femenina champions Brazil in the first half, but Andressa Alves’ injury time strike forced a shootout. Goalkeeper Mary Earps would atone for her fumble conceding the goal, by stopping Tamires strike and watching as Brazil captain Rafaelle’s strike smashed off the bar before Kelly sealed the victory in England’s first shootout since 2011.

It was another test passed, another box ticked off and another crowd-pleasing result as England continued their march towards the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which kicks off in 105 days.

It was a strong starting XI from the England manager, who had hinted that there would be less room for experimentation against Brazil and Australia than there had been at the Arnold Clark Cup in February. Excluding injuries, she fielded a team very close to the one that will likely feature at the World Cup in July, with Millie Bright’s absence allowing Alex Greenwood to start alongside centre-back Leah Williamson and Jess Carter slotting in at left-back. Meanwhile, Lauren James began in place of long-term absentee Beth Mead, favoured over Kelly.

Six of the XI that started the Euro 2022 final last year remained. Likewise, there were six changes from the Brazil