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

To Lucia Kendall, the moment carried similar weight.

Wiegman was reflecting on the moment the Aston Villa midfielder raced away into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses goal – six minutes into a 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

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

Rising to her feet among her celebrating colleagues, the young player displayed an expression of utter disbelief.

A Fairytale Homecoming

Having been “an integral part” of Southampton for ten years, where she came up through the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a big step.

So when she saw the ball hit the back of the net at St Mary's Stadium on her homecoming, and on only her third England cap, it was the stuff of dreams.

“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 said.

“It felt like it was written [in the stars]. 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 aged 15 proved pivotal to her future.

Despite being a capable cricketer (her father had a career with Hampshire), the looming demands of senior football at Southampton forced her hand. She selected football.

“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall commented 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 realised I enjoy football a bit more.”

Growing up admiring Chelsea and Frank Lampard’s goal-getting midfield exploits, Kendall is embarking on her own path with similar attacking instincts.

Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the drive and commitment to become a star.

Southampton held onto their prized asset for the maximum time, but upon her contract expiry, Villa signed her to the WSL.

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,” said Wiegman.

“Everything has happened at breakneck speed, but her ability to sustain her high standards is truly notable.”

The midfielder was influential, later rattling the bar and nearly creating a goal for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.

Exiting the pitch to applause, the announcer highlighted her deep connection to the club and city.

Kendall scored 29 goals for the club in more than a decade of service and added: “Being at Southampton for so long, I played regular senior football from the age of 16 and that gave me a great foundation.

“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.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Kendall has made an instant impression at international level, with observers stating she has just “has the quality” as a midfielder and looks like a “born talent”.

While mindful of protecting her young star, Wiegman is confident due to Kendall’s grounded and professional attitude.

Shortly after her maiden call-up, she faced reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while acknowledging the importance of the collective.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “been here for years” as she slotted straight into the squad.

“{This team's just gone on to win back-to