‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s unforgettable performance 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 boss Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment felt just as significant.
This comment came as Wiegman spoke about the young midfielder’s joyous reaction to her maiden England goal – six minutes into a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she added, referring to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.
As the 21-year-old rose, puffing out her cheeks and mobbed by her team-mates, a broad smile lit up her face.
A Fairytale Homecoming
Kendall was “a mainstay” at Southampton – a club where she had devoted ten years, coming through their academy and playing 103 games before moving to Villa in July.
Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt extraordinarily special.
“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall remarked.
“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”
‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’
It may have been Southampton who “made” Kendall, but a crucial decision aged 15 proved crucial to her future.
The gifted youngster was also a avid cricketer – her dad Will represented Hampshire – but eventually had to pick one of the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She opted for football.
“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall commented in a October media conference.
“Growing up, I had a passion for cricket. The decision was genuinely tough. 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 renowned for his goalscoring talent – and Kendall has started out in a like fashion.
Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree signaled the mental fortitude and commitment required for the top level.
Southampton held onto their prized asset for the maximum time, but upon her contract expiry, Villa signed her to the WSL.
Within months the Winchester-born player has risen to prominence, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and breaking into the England squad.
“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” said Wiegman.
“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”
Her performance was notable; she struck the woodwork and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.
Her substitution on the hour mark was met with a loud reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.
With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The trust and consistent 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].
“Entering the England setup, I was aware I had to demonstrate my worth. The increased pace felt like a step up in class.”
Praise for a Complete Midfielder
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her exit in the summer.
Her smooth transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and natural demeanour.
The England manager wants to safeguard her exposure, citing the roles of both media and club, but is reassured by the player’s modest nature.
In her early interactions with the press, she emphasized her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “fitted in instantly” as she integrated seamlessly into the squad.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
