KELLY SMITH

Position

 Forward

Club

 Arsenal

D.O.B

 29.10.78

P.O.B

 Watford

Caps

 71

Goals

 27

Debut

 v Ita, 11/95

Full Debut

First Goal
One of the most well-known players in the Women's game, Kelly has rightfully earned plaudits from around the world for her performances for club and country.

After scoring a hat-trick against Holland at Charlton in August, Vera Pauw, the Dutch coach, called Kelly 'The best player in the World'. With England making it to the World Cup in China Kelly will have the stage to prove that case.

Kelly got 2007 off to a fine start when she was voted 'Player of the Tournament' at the Four Nations Tournament in China in January.

She followed that up with some exceptional displays at the World Cup, twice 'Player of the Match' she scored four goals and was named in the team of the tournament.

Kelly is the only English player to have played in the Women’s professional league in America. Although her appearances were limited in the latter part of her spell due to a number of injuries – including a torn cruciate ligament – she was one of the league’s most popular players.

Kelly was named East Conference Offensive Player of the Year for three consecutive years at college and the University retired her shirt number – the first time they had done that for a female athlete – in honour of all the records she had broken there.

Kelly Smith is undoubtedly one of England’s most skilful players, with former USA Head Coach April Heinrichs claiming that Kelly would have been an automatic selection for the ‘States’ when they were in their pomp.
9 Sep 2007
VIDEO: Kelly Smith pre-Japan

The England forward is determined to make her mark on the World Cup, after waiting so long for the opportunity.
Last updated: 8 May 2008