England enjoyed themselves in their 6-1 win over Wales on Sunday as six players got their names on the scoresheet.
Among them were substitutes Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones and their celebrations caught the eye as they ran over to the bench, ran along the substitutes who were lined up on the touchline and clicked their fingers in the air.
Keira Walsh, who started in midfield and won the player of the match award, was left in the dark as to what it meant – but forward Kelly later had an explanation.
“We have a little group of us in a [WhatsApp] group chat – ‘the finishers’ as you call it – and [they were] ‘positive clicks’,” said the Arsenal winger.
“You probably saw we were all clicking, thinking ‘what are they doing?’ But it was just a positive click. We said: ‘If one of us comes on and scores, let’s do that’.
“It’s just about sticking together and being at our best when called upon, making sure we’re prepared to go on the pitch to do a great job.”
Kelly said Walsh would be “kept in the loop” from now on, but the group chat was created by Manchester United captain Maya le Tissier for the substitutes.
England’s super-subs made a big impact at Euro 2022 – Kelly scored the winner in the final against Germany, after Ella Toone had lobbed goalkeeper Merle Frohms in the same match. Alessia Russo produced a memorable backheel finish in the semi-final win over Sweden.
“Some of us didn’t have the pictures of the click celebration so that’s where the group chat came from – to send each other the pictures,” added Kelly.
“I was saying to Lotte [Wubben-Moy] that throughout the tournaments that we’ve been playing in, the group of ‘finishers’ have been incredible.”
It is not the only WhatsApp group chat on the go, as Lucy Bronze revealed last week they still use the one they had at Euro 2022.
Recently retired goalkeeper Mary Earps has been among those to message the squad in Switzerland, as well as former striker Ellen White.
“It’s just mostly ‘good luck’, ‘well done’ or ‘we believe in you’,” said Williamson when asked about the messages.
“For them to reinforce their belief in the team and want to be part of it, that speaks volumes of the group.
“That group chat was originally created for the [Euro 2022] celebrations, so every time it pops up, it’s not a bad thing.
“Most group chats we archive or mute – but not that one. We’re very tame though. I wish we had more banter – but that’s not going to come from me.”
