‘Celebrating like a Champions League champion’ - Kendall’s memorable performance for England

“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman with a smile.

And for Lucia Kendall, it wasn't far off.

Wiegman was describing the moment the Aston Villa midfielder dashed into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses goal – early in a 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she quipped, in reference to Kendall’s perfect knee slide.

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

A Dream Return to St Mary's

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 July move to Aston Villa.

So when she saw the ball hit the back of the net at St Mary's Stadium on her return, and on only her third England cap, it was the stuff of dreams.

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

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

A Meteoric Ascent

It may have been Southampton who “shaped” Kendall, but a big decision aged 15 proved pivotal to her future.

Despite being a capable cricketer (her father had a career with Hampshire), the looming demands of senior football at Southampton forced her hand. She went with football.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall said in a recent 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 realised I enjoy football a bit more.”

Growing up admiring Chelsea and Frank Lampard’s goal-getting midfield exploits, Kendall is starting her own path with comparable attacking instincts.

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology demonstrated the focus and dedication needed to excel.

The club fought to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to bring her to the top flight.

Her rapid progress has seen her become a WSL fixture and an England international in a short space of time.

“She shows consistency and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa,” said 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.”

Kendall certainly enjoyed herself at St Mary's, hitting the crossbar later in the first half and almost teeing up Villa team-mate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal, before Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty.

Exiting the pitch to applause, the announcer emphasized her deep connection to the club and city.

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she noted, “The faith and regular playing time I received from 16 was crucial.

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

“I understood the need to justify my selection at international level, where the tempo is higher, akin to moving up a league.”

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

Her smooth 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.

Shortly after her maiden call-up, she faced reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while acknowledging the importance of the collective.

Teammate Alessia Russo remarked that Kendall settled as if she’d been a long-term member.

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