The winger’s brace helped the Lionesses claim the victory they needed to retain the title, with further strikes from Lucy Bronze, a Leah Williamson double and an own goal securing a 6-1 win at Ashton Gate.
Kelly was denied a hat-trick when she clipped to bar from a tight angle on the hour but, having also found the target against South Korea, she finished as tournament top scorer with three goals.
She expressed her personal pride at claiming the golden boot but insisted England’s Arnold Clark Cup success was the result of a collective effort.
“It’s a great feeling,” she told ITV when asked about retaining the title.
“It’s a great tournament in preparation for the World Cup, we’re building momentum and it was a brilliant team performance.
“I didn’t even realise [I had finished as top scorer], it’s a good achievement. Lucy said I’m the tap-in queen, so I’ll take that!
“I was a little bit [disappointed not to get the hat-trick] to be fair, but it was a great team performance and that’s what tonight was about.”
Kelly was joined by Club team-mate Alex Greenwood in England’s starting XI at Ashton Gate, with Lauren Hemp and Jess Park [on loan at Everton] also introduced from the bench.
With Ellie Roebuck, Sandy MacIver and Laura Coombs also at the tournament, City boasted more players in the latest Lionesses squad than any other Club side.
Kelly was quick to praise the incredible options that Sarina Wiegman has at her disposal ahead of another important year for England.
CITY+ | SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
She said: “It’s very special to be part of such an amazing group of staff and players.
“The performances show how incredible we are, we have great depth and that’s great.
“It was brilliant, we just keep moving forward, the girls were brilliant tonight.”
