Arsenal icon Thierry Henry provided the inspiration behind Chloe Kelly's memorable corner flag pose following her match-winning contribution in England's thrilling Euro 2025 semi-final victory against Italy.
The 27-year-old forward explained her celebration came after she confidently converted a rebound from her saved penalty.
"I think I got a lot of people nervous with missing the penalty but chill it was OK. And then yeah, Thierry Henry inspired me with that second one," Kelly revealed during her post-match media appearance.
The Arsenal loanee's journey to this pivotal moment proved remarkable, having considered abandoning football entirely in January after finding herself excluded from Manchester City's plans last season.
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|Chloe Kelly has revealed Thierry Henry inspired her iconic goal celebration during England's win over Italy on Tuesday night
Kelly's decisive moment arrived in extra time's dying seconds when referee awarded England a penalty after Emma Severini fouled Beth Mead.
The forward, among just three successful English penalty takers in their previous shootout victory against Sweden, watched goalkeeper Laura Giuliani parry her initial attempt.
Demonstrating sharp attacking instincts, Kelly immediately reacted to slam home the loose ball, securing England's passage to another major final.
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|Chloe Kelly sparked criticism online by producing a 'calma' celebration despite missing a penalty in England's Euro 2025 win over Italy
Her initial response mimicked Cristiano Ronaldo's signature 'calma' gesture before transitioning into her relaxed corner flag stance.
"It was actually just more like chill out, I was going to score the tap-in," she explained afterwards, displaying the self-assurance that has characterised her remarkable return to form.
England faced elimination when Barbara Bonansea's first-half strike gave Italy the advantage, with the underdogs maintaining their lead deep into stoppage time.
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Salvation arrived through 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang, who struck a crucial leveller in the 97th minute to force extra time.
The teenager's intervention marked another dramatic escape for Sarina Wiegman's side, who had previously survived a penalty shootout against Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Both teams appeared exhausted as the additional period progressed, with another shootout seeming inevitable.
Agyemang's goal represented her third strike in just four international appearances, further establishing the youngster's growing influence within the defending champions' squad.
Sarina Wiegman expressed high praise for Agyemang's exceptional abilities following the teenager's crucial contribution.
"She has something special," the England manager stated about the 19-year-old forward.
The Dutch coach highlighted Agyemang's remarkable maturity and tactical understanding despite her youth.
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|Chloe Kelly's goal means England are just 90 minutes away from Euro 2025 glory
"She's only 19-years-old, she's very mature, she knows exactly what she has to do," Wiegman added.
"She's not only in the 18-yard box very dangerous but when we have to go to her as a target player, she keeps the ball really well too.
"If she continues like this she has a very bright future."