‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s special night for England

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

And for Lucia Kendall, it felt incredibly close.

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

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

Getting up from her slide, Kendall took in the moment with cheeks puffed and a radiant grin.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a core player there after coming through the academy and making 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.

So when she found the net at St Mary's Stadium on her homecoming, and on only her third England appearance, it was the material of fairy tales.

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

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”

A Meteoric Ascent

Southampton built her foundation, yet a important decision made when she was 15 shaped her destiny.

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 October media conference.

“I loved playing cricket growing up. It was a really difficult decision. 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 showcased the discipline and ambition needed to excel.

Southampton kept their prized asset for the maximum time, but upon her contract expiry, Villa secured her signature to the WSL.

Within months the Winchester-born player has made a name for herself, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and breaking into the England squad.

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

“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”

Her performance was notable; she came close to scoring again and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.

Exiting the pitch to acclaim, the announcer highlighted her deep connection to the club and city.

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The trust and consistent playing time I received from 16 proved vital.

“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take the next step.

“I knew that I had to go in [to England] and prove why I should be playing at this level. The speed of the game is quicker and it was like going up a division.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Kendall has made an immediate impression at international level, with observers stating she has just “got it” as a midfielder and looks like a “born talent”.

While mindful of protecting her young star, Wiegman is confident due to Kendall’s humble and focused attitude.

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

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

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