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

“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” noted England coach Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.

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

Wiegman was describing the moment the Aston Villa midfielder dashed into the corner after netting her first Lionesses goal – during the opening stages of 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 immaculate knee slide.

Getting up from her slide, Kendall took in the moment with an amazed expression and a huge grin.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Kendall was “a fixture” at Southampton – a club where she had been for ten seasons, rising through their academy and making 103 appearances before moving to Villa in July.

Consequently, scoring at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an incredible experience.

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

“It felt like it was written [in the stars]. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”

‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’

Southampton laid the groundwork, yet a important decision made when she was 15 shaped her destiny.

A skilled cricketer as well, with a father who was a cricketer for Hampshire, she faced a choice between the two pursuits as her football career began to flourish. Football won out.

“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 embarking on her own path with comparable attacking output.

Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree was evidence of the drive and dedication required for the top level.

The second-tier club held on to her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa pounced to put her in the Women's Super League spotlight.

In a matter of months, Kendall has quickly risen, securing a regular place in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.

“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.

“Everything has happened at breakneck speed, but her ability to sustain her high standards is truly notable.”

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.

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

Kendall scored 29 goals for the club in more than a decade of service and added: “Being at Southampton for so long, I played regular senior football from the age of 16 and that was incredibly beneficial.

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

“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.

While mindful of shielding her young star, Wiegman is unworried due to Kendall’s humble and professional attitude.

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

According to Russo, Kendall’s integration was so smooth it seemed she’d been part of the group for ages.

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