Having only qualified for their first major tournament in 2015 – the Women's World Cup – Switzerland had never previously made it beyond the group stage of a European Championship. That was until this summer.

As the host nation, and with Peng as first-choice goalkeeper, Switzerland secured a 2-0 win over Iceland and then drew 1-1 with Finland. Those two results were enough to progress to the knockout stage for the first time, and all in front of their own supporters.

‘It was amazing,’ Peng reflects. ‘The fans were incredible and I think we had a good tournament. To play more games, to have all the fan marches, to have the full stadiums, and the whole country involved was outstanding.

'It was a great experience for the whole team and the country. I really hope we will keep it up and people will keep supporting us.’

Switzerland were beaten in the Round of 16 by eventual finalists Spain. The game finished 2-0, but the defeat would’ve been far greater had it not been for a Peng penalty save to deny two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

It's those moments that the Chelsea goalkeeper hopes supporters remember; there was more to the tournament in her mind than just what took place on the pitch.

‘Inspiring young girls to play football is the main goal, especially at a home Euros,’ she says. ‘To show them they can do it and to believe in their dreams.

‘The save (against Putellas) was a big moment. I think during the game it was like, ‘OK, we need to score two goals or more.’ So I wasn't really thinking about it so much then, but now I've reflected on it, it was really cool, and
I'm happy I could save it. I think in the end it was down to the whole team, and I'm just proud of everyone.’

After the highs and lows of the summer, and a short break to recharge, Peng had life at Chelsea to focus on – and joined up with her new team-mates midway through pre-season.

The goalkeeper travelled to the Netherlands for our pre-season camp and played the first half in a friendly against Ajax to round off the trip

‘I was happy to play and to get some minutes,’ said Peng when asked about the game. ‘It was fun! I just love playing football, and to represent such a big club is a great honour for me. ‘I’ve, many, many fun moments in training already, and I really enjoyed that camp, especially the sheep herding!

‘All the girls have welcomed me really well and I feel good. I have my apartment now. I'm so happy to be here. I’ve had so much fun on the pitch and off the pitch. The girls are so kind, and it’s really fun to be here.’

Fun mixed with hard work has been Peng’s experience of Chelsea so far. Having already been number one at Werder Bremen, the 23-year-old wants to keep developing in her new surroundings.

‘It’s so professional at Chelsea,’ said Peng. ‘There are so many staff members to help you. I even had trouble learning all the names in the first few days!

‘I’m getting used to it – the facilities and the training sessions are amazing, on another level. Everyone is demanding a lot, but that's a really good thing. I can learn a lot here.

‘Sonia [Bompastor] is really demanding, and I like that a lot because that's how we can improve and how we can reach the next level. It's so important to push, push, push, and I think her whole staff is great in that way.’