Kelly over World Cup heartbreak ahead of WSL kick-off

Chloe Kelly has put the disappointment of losing the Women's World Cup final behind her as she prepares for a new season with Manchester City.

Kelly appeared as a half-time substitute in the Lionesses' 1-0 defeat to Spain last month and has been named in Sarina Wiegman's squad for upcoming Nations League games against Scotland and the Netherlands.

But the 25-year-old is focused on making a fast start to City's Women's Super League campaign.

She said: "It's good to get back in with the team, get back on the pitch, keep learning, and find those relationships again.

"Of course I'm not on top of my game as it's still pre-season. I don't want to peak too early and it is really important we build as we go.

"Starting the season well is really important but I think as we go we need to get better."

City missed out on a Champions League spot via goal difference last season after losing two of their final three games of the campaign.

And Kelly believes that the busy schedule of international and club football is no excuse not to be challenging for silverware.

She said: "It is important we recover well. We need to look after our bodies in these moments.

"We want to be winning trophies. It is really important for us to be doing that.

"Champions League football, too — we need to be in it."

City kick off their WSL campaign with a trip to West Ham on October 1 before they host champions Chelsea in a blockbuster fixture the following week.