‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s memorable night for England
Lucia Kendall found the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” remarked England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
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 – six minutes into a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she joked, referring to Kendall’s flawless knee slide.
Rising to her feet within her celebrating colleagues, the young player showed an expression of utter disbelief.
A Dream Return to St Mary's
Southampton was her home for a decade; she was a core player there after coming through the academy and making 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.
So when she found the net at St Mary's Stadium on her homecoming, and on only her third England appearance, it was the pinnacle of her career.
“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall stated.
“It felt like it was written [in the stars]. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”
A Rapid Rise to Prominence
While Southampton played a key role in her development, a significant choice at 15 determined her trajectory.
A proficient cricketer as well, with a father who played county cricket for Hampshire, she faced a choice between the two pursuits as her football career began to flourish. Football won out.
“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall said in a recent 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”
Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder famed for his goalscoring prowess – and Kendall has started out in a similar fashion.
Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree indicated the mental fortitude and commitment required for the top level.
The club did their utmost to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa seized the opportunity to introduce her to the top flight.
In a matter of months, Kendall has quickly risen, securing a starting spot in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.
“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” noted 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, striking the crossbar later in the first half and almost setting up Villa team-mate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal, before Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty.
Exiting the pitch to applause, the announcer highlighted her deep connection to the club and city.
With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she noted, “The faith and regular playing time I received from 16 proved vital.
“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.”
Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her departure in the summer.
Her smooth 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.
Shortly after her maiden call-up, she spoke to reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while understanding the importance of the collective.
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “fitted in instantly” as she slotted straight into the squad.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to