🔗 Share this article

“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” remarked England boss Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was remarkably similar.

This comment came as Wiegman recalled the young midfielder’s ecstatic reaction to her maiden England goal – six minutes into a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“They are still doing some treatment on the grass!” she added, in reference to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.

Rising to her feet among her celebrating colleagues, the young player showed an expression of pure joy.

A Fairytale Homecoming

Southampton was her home for a decade; she was a familiar face there after graduating from the academy and racking up 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.

Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt dreamlike.

“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall said.

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

Southampton built her foundation, yet a formative decision made when she was 15 proved to be a turning point.

The talented youngster was also a avid cricketer – her dad Will played for Hampshire – but eventually had to choose between the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She chose football.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall explained in a previous media conference.

“I adored cricket as a child. Making the choice was very hard. I went back and forth, but when the time came, I knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

A Chelsea supporter, her childhood hero was the prolific England midfielder Frank Lampard, and Kendall’s early career is echoing that goalscoring trend.

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology showcased the discipline and ambition needed to excel.

Southampton held onto their prized asset as long as possible, but upon her contract expiry, Villa signed her to the WSL.

In a matter of months, Kendall has rapidly ascended, securing a starting spot in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.

“Displaying consistency is challenging for any new arrival in the WSL, but she has managed it,” admitted Wiegman.

“Things have gone so quickly so fast, but she just keeps up her levels and shows she is a good player - and that is impressive.”

The midfielder was influential, later hitting the bar and coming close to providing an assist for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.

Her substitution on the hour mark was met with a resounding reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.

Having scored 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she said, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 set me up perfectly.

“Their unwavering belief in my abilities made me feel prepared for the challenge ahead.

“Entering the England setup, I was aware I had to demonstrate my worth. The increased pace felt like a step up in class.”

‘Technically and Tactically, She Is a Very Strong Midfielder’

Her seamless transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and natural demeanour.

The England manager wants to safeguard her exposure, citing the roles of both media and club, but is reassured by the player’s modest nature.

In her early interactions with the press, she emphasized her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “fitted in instantly” as she slotted straight into the squad.

“{This team's just gone on to win back-to