‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s unforgettable night for England
Lucia Kendall hit the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was comparable.
This comment came as Wiegman spoke about the young midfielder’s ecstatic reaction to her maiden England goal – during the opening stages of a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she added, poking fun at Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.
Getting up from her slide, Kendall took in the moment with an amazed expression and a huge grin.
A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground
Having been “an integral part” of Southampton for a decade, where she progressed from the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a significant change.
Consequently, netting at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an unbelievable experience.
“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place shaped the player I am,” Kendall said.
“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
A Rapid Rise to Prominence
While Southampton was instrumental in her development, a critical choice at 15 determined her trajectory.
Despite being a talented cricketer (her father played for Hampshire), the impending demands of senior football at Southampton forced her hand. She went with football.
“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall explained 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.”
Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder famed for his goalscoring talent – and Kendall has begun her career in a similar fashion.
Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree signaled the mental fortitude 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.
Within months the Winchester-born player has established herself, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and earning a place in the England squad.
“Displaying consistency is challenging for any new arrival in the WSL, but she has managed it,” noted 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 coming close to providing an assist for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.
She came off 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”.
Having netted 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she reflected, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 set me up perfectly.
“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take the next step.
“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’
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 effortless demeanour.
The England manager aims to safeguard her exposure, citing the roles of both media and club, but is reassured by the player’s humble nature.
In her early interactions with the press, she stressed her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.
According to Russo, Kendall’s assimilation was so smooth it seemed she’d been part of the group for ages.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
