The City forward memorably scored the goal that won the Lionesses a first major title in last summer’s Euro 2022 final against Germany.
And she climbed off the bench to score the winning spot-kick after the inaugural Women’s Finalissima clash with Copa America champions Brazil went to a penalty shoot-out.
Two City stars were named in the Lionesses’ starting XI.
Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood started the game, while Ellie Roebuck, Laura Coombs, Kelly, Esme Morgan, Jess Park (on loan at Everton) were all named on the bench.
The Lionesses, playing in front of a huge Wembley crowd of 83,132, were dominant in the opening 45, but only had Ella Toone’s goal on 23 minutes for their efforts.
Lucy Bronze – one of three former City stars in the starting XI along with Georgia Stanway and Kiera Walsh – provided the cut-back at the end of an excellent team move for Toone to slot home.
Sarina Wiegman’s side, looking to extend their unbeaten run to 30 games, were pushed hard by the South Americans.
Brazil were much-improved after the break and England were clinging on at times as the visitors changed their tactics and pressed high.
Greenwood and skipper Leah Williamson stood tall under tremendous pressure and United keeper Mary Earps was forced into a number of good saves.
Hemp , who picked up a booking, was industrious throughout, had to leave the pitch on 88 minutes after taking an accidental blow to face as a cross came in to the Brazil box.
Kelly had been introduced on 73 minutes but it was Brazil who finished stronger, and when Earps spilled a cross in added time, Alves fired the ball home to make it 1-1 and force penalties.
But Kelly would have the final say, keeping her cool in the shoot-out to fire home the decisive spot-kick and extend England’s long unbeaten run as a result.
The shoot-out went as follows:
- Georgia Stanway - scored - England 1-0 Brazil
- Adriana - scored - England 1-1 Brazil
- Ella Toone - missed - England 1-1 Brazil
- Tamires - missed - England 1-1 Brazil
- Rachel Daly - scored - England 2-1 Brazil
- Rafaelle - missed - England 2-1 Brazil
- Alex Greenwood - scored - England 3-1 Brazil
- Kerolin - scored - England 3-2 Brazil
- Chloe Kelly - scored - England 4-2 Brazil
- England win 4-2 on penalties
Elsewhere...
Julie Blakstad, (currently on loan to BK Haken), came on as a sub on 77 minutes of the friendly away to Spain.
The Norwegians were already 4-1 down at the time but pulled a goal back in the time that remained to lose 4-2 in Ibiza.
Ruby Mace who is presently loaned out to Leicester City, played the full 90 minutes of England Under-23s’ 3-2 victory against Portugal.
Having fallen behind to an early goal at the Estádio Municipal da Marinha Grand, England levelled just after the break as Charlton’s Angela Addison turned in Aggie Beever-Jones’ cross.
The hosts hit back soon after to lead 2-1 shortly after and with 87 minutes gone, the young Lionesses were still trailing – but two late goals from Laura Blindkilde Brown and Missy Bo Kearns secured a dramatic 3-2 friendly win.
