The 24-year-old was a second half substitute as Sarina Wiegman’s side registered a 1-0 win over Austria on the opening night of this summer’s tournament.
She joined City team-mates Lauren Hemp and Keira Walsh on the pitch, with Ellen White making way, in front of 68,871 fans at Old Trafford - the largest attendance for any women’s European Championship match in history.
Kelly | Without football, I felt worthless
Having missed almost a year of action following a serious ACL injury in 2020/21, Kelly was just delighted to have been part of a special night for women’s football.
She said: “Amazing, honestly. I can’t put into words how much it means to me. To be out there in front of those fans was an amazing experience and I’m excited for the rest of the tournament.
“It was a great atmosphere. The fans were brilliant the whole game. To come away with a win is even better and we’re on to the next now.”
England weren’t at their fluent best throughout the evening, creating a number of chances but failing to extend their lead beyond the one goal.
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However, Kelly insists that the first match in a major tournament is all about getting the three points on the board.
“It was very tough,” she admitted.
“The game was very transitional so we had to get our foot on it and play. They’re a very tough opposition and each game is going to be a different test for us.
“It’s always going to be difficult, settling into the tournament. Now the first game is out the way we can focus on how we can break down the next team.”
England are next in action on Monday 11 July, when they face Norway in Brighton. They will then complete the group stage against Northern Ireland at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium on 15 July.
