‘Celebrating like a Champions League champion’ - Kendall’s memorable performance for England

“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was comparable.

This comment came as Wiegman recalled the young midfielder’s ecstatic reaction to her maiden England goal – during the opening stages of a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“They are still doing some treatment on the grass!” she added, referring to Kendall’s flawless knee slide.

Getting up from her slide, Kendall looked around with an amazed expression and a massive grin.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Kendall was “a fixture” at Southampton – a club where she had been for ten seasons, coming through their academy and making 103 games before joining Villa in July.

Consequently, scoring at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an unbelievable moment.

“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 flooded with emotion really.”

A Meteoric Ascent

Southampton laid the groundwork, yet a important decision made when she was 15 proved to be a turning point.

The gifted youngster was also a keen cricketer – her dad Will played for Hampshire – but eventually had to choose between 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 explained 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 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 ability – and Kendall has started out in a similar fashion.

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology showcased the focus and dedication needed to excel.

The second-tier club held on to her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa acted quickly to put her in the Women's Super League limelight.

Within months the Winchester-born player has made a name for herself, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and earning a place in the England squad.

“She shows consistency and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa,” noted Wiegman.

“Things have gone so quickly so fast, but she just keeps up her levels and shows she is a good player - and that is impressive.”

Her performance was eye-catching; she struck the woodwork 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 proclaiming that she was “Southampton's very own”.

Having netted 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she said, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 provided a solid base.

“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.”

‘Technically and Tactically, She Is a Very Strong Midfielder’

At the highest level, she has appeared comfortable, described as a gifted midfielder who “understands”.

The England manager aims to manage 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 fulfill any role for the benefit of the team.

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