‘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.
“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” remarked England boss Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was comparable.
The England boss was commenting on the instant the Villa player ran off in jubilation following her debut international strike – early in a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“They are still doing some treatment on the grass!” she joked, poking fun at Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.
As the 21-year-old stood up, puffing out her cheeks and mobbed by her team-mates, a wide smile appeared on her face.
A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground
Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a core player there after graduating from the academy and racking up 103 appearances prior to her July move to Aston Villa.
Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt extraordinarily special.
“A really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I grew up. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall stated.
“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’
It may have been Southampton who “developed” Kendall, but a major decision at the age of 15 proved decisive to her future.
A skilled cricketer as well, with a father who played county cricket for Hampshire, she faced a choice between the two pursuits as her football career took off. Football was the choice.
“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall said 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 known for his goalscoring talent – and Kendall has begun her career in a comparable fashion.
Her ability to manage first-team football alongside a psychology degree signaled the mental fortitude and commitment required for the top level.
The second-tier club retained 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 limelight.
In a matter of months, Kendall has rapidly ascended, 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,” 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 hitting the bar and coming close to providing an assist for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.
Exiting the pitch to applause, the announcer emphasized her deep connection to the club and city.
With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The trust and consistent playing time I received from 16 made all the difference.
“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take 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’
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.
Wiegman is keen to protect her, saying the media can play a role in that and so can Villa, but she has no concerns because of how “grounded” Kendall conducts herself.
In her early interactions with the press, she emphasized her willingness to fulfill any role for the benefit of the team.
Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “been here for years” as she integrated seamlessly into the squad.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
