The England U17s defender broke his collarbone in a match against Belgium at St. George’s Park in January, but after months of rehabilitation the Everton youngster is back firing on all cylinders at the UEFA European Championship Finals in Malta.
He made his return to the Young Lions’ line-up in Friday’s 3-0 victory over the host nation in the group’s opening game – but it was his first international goal that left him buzzing.
"I thought mine was the best finish – even though I did slip."
Jonjoe Kenny
Speaking to TheFA.com after Monday's 4-1 victory over Turkey, which secured a place in the semi-final, Kenny said: "The first game was always going to be tough, but I thought we performed well and comfortably beat Malta in the end.
"With respect to them, we all knew that Turkey was going to be much harder. Their manager was in the press reminding everyone that they beat us 6-4 on penalties last year with only ten men, so they were trying to get to us mentally before the game, but it just made us even more determined.
"We all knew it was going to be a hard game but we are buzzing we came through it and got to the semi-final."
"Even when we fell behind, the lads all stuck together and believed that we would get back into it.
"The quality that we have up front is first-class, so we were always confident. And it was big Joe Gomez who made the difference. He gave away the penalty, but what a run he had to create the equaliser for Dominic Solanke.
"He [Joe] can do that, he has that power to do it and I think that inspired everyone to lift it and they could not handle us after that."
After falling behind early in the first half against Turkey, a brace from Solanke, a goal from Adam Armstrong and Kenny’s strike fired England to a 4-1 victory – but the Kirkdale-born Evertonian was in no doubt which goal should be stealing the headlines.
"I’ve spoken about the strikers, but I thought mine was the best finish – even though I did slip," said Kenny.
"Knowing that Garbutt and Barkley won this tournament when they were my age gives you hope and the belief that we can emulate them."
Jonjoe Kenny
"I don’t really get amongst the goals that often, but I was buzzing when I saw it hit the back of the net.
"I gave it to Pat Roberts, and he did a little dribble past their lad and I just carried on with my run, and he slid me in. I got into a similar position against Malta and tried to cross it, but this time I knew I was going to put my foot through it and thankfully it flew into the top corner.
"I hardly score, so when I do it means a lot to me, especially with my dad being there. I spotted him in the crowd when I was celebrating and I could see he was made up too, so I gave him a wave. It was a great moment."
It was certainly a sweet moment for the 17-year-old – made all the more sweeter by the fact that he did not expect to even be at the Euros after suffering the injury earlier in the year.
Kenny explained: "I thought I wouldn’t be back in time for it to be honest with you. It was tough to take, but I had the right people around me, and my family and friends gave me all the support I needed, and they kept me positive throughout my recovery.
"There were hard times during my rehab, but I kept working hard and I was made up when I got the call-up for England.
"This is the biggest stage I’ve played at, and this tournament is massive – it’s unbelievable to be here and I’m very proud. And to get that goal, it just made it perfect."
"We have a 100 per cent record in this competition, and we want to keep that going all the way."
Jonjoe Kenny
And he doesn’t have to look too far for inspiration to go on and help his country go all the way.
Everton team-mates Ross Barkley and Luke Garbutt were part of the England U17 side that lifted the European Championship crown in 2010 – and Kenny is keen to match their achievements.
He said: "Knowing that Garbutt and Barkley won this tournament when they were my age gives you hope and the belief that we can emulate them.
"It was great for Everton when they did, and me and Ryan Ledson will be giving everything to follow in their footsteps."
Before the semi-final on Sunday, England face Holland in their final group match on Thursday to determine top spot. And despite qualification already confirmed, Kenny said that he and his team-mates want to continue their proud record in the competition.
"We go into Holland wanting to beat them even though we are through to the semis," he added.
"We have a 100 per cent record in this competition, and we want to keep that going all the way through to the end.
"None of the lads will take their foot off the gas – we are going to go in all guns blazing and do our job properly."
England v Holland will be shown live on Eurosport at 10am on Thursday. Follow @FA on Twitter for updates from the match.
