‘Celebrating like a Champions League champion’ - Kendall’s memorable evening for England
Lucia Kendall found the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
And for Lucia Kendall, it was a near-equivalent experience.
Wiegman was reflecting on the moment the Aston Villa midfielder raced away into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses 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 perfect knee slide.
As the 21-year-old stood up, exhaling deeply and mobbed by her team-mates, a wide smile spread across her face.
A Dream Return to St Mary's
Having been “a staple” of Southampton for ten years, where she progressed from the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a big step.
Consequently, scoring at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an magical experience.
“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall remarked.
“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
A Meteoric Ascent
While Southampton played a key role in her development, a significant choice at 15 set her on her path.
Despite being a capable cricketer (her father played for Hampshire), the looming demands of senior football at Southampton forced her hand. She went with football.
“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall commented 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.”
A Chelsea supporter, her childhood hero was the prolific England midfielder Frank Lampard, and Kendall’s early career is mirroring that goalscoring trend.
Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the drive and commitment to become a star.
The club fought to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to introduce her to the top flight.
Her rapid progress has seen her become a WSL regular and an England international in a very brief period.
“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” admitted Wiegman.
“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”
Her performance was eye-catching; she came close to scoring again and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.
She was substituted after an hour to a ovation from the home crowd and the enthusiastic voice of the stadium announcer boasting that she was “Southampton's very own”.
With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she noted, “The faith and consistent playing time I received from 16 made all the difference.
“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.”
Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her move in July.
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 confident due to Kendall’s grounded and focused attitude.
Shortly after her maiden call-up, she spoke to reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while acknowledging the importance of the collective.
According to Russo, Kendall’s assimilation was so smooth it seemed she’d was a veteran presence.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
