‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s memorable performance for England

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

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

This comment came as Wiegman spoke about the young midfielder’s elated reaction to her maiden England goal – during the opening stages of a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

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

As the 21-year-old stood up, puffing out her cheeks and mobbed by her team-mates, a wide smile spread across her face.

A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground

Kendall was “part of the furniture” at Southampton – a club where she had been for ten seasons, graduating from their academy and making 103 appearances before moving to Villa in July.

So when she found the net at St Mary's Stadium on her homecoming, and on only her third England cap, it was the pinnacle of her career.

“A really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I grew up. This place shaped the player I am,” Kendall said.

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

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

It may have been Southampton who “made” Kendall, but a crucial decision at the age of 15 proved crucial to her future.

A skilled cricketer as well, with a father who was a cricketer for Hampshire, she was forced to decide between the two pursuits as her football career took off. Football won out.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall explained in a recent 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 understood 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 similar attacking output.

Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree indicated the drive and commitment required for the top level.

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

Within months the Winchester-born player has established 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,” said Wiegman.

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

The midfielder had a lively game, later rattling the bar and nearly creating a goal for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.

She was substituted after an hour to a ovation from the home crowd and the enthusiastic voice of the stadium announcer proclaiming that she was “Southampton's very own”.

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The trust and regular playing time I received from 16 made all the difference.

“It was the consistent trust they showed in me as a player and the belief. I felt like I was ready for [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.”

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

At the highest level, she has appeared comfortable, described as a gifted midfielder who “has it”.

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

Days after being called up by the Lionesses for the first time, Kendall was addressing the media saying she was keen to impress, but also understood the need for the team's greater good and whatever role she needed to play in that.

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