‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s special performance for England
Lucia Kendall hit the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” remarked England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
And for Lucia Kendall, it was a near-equivalent experience.
The England boss was commenting on the instant the Villa player celebrated wildly following her debut international strike – six minutes into a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she quipped, referring to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.
As the 21-year-old rose, exhaling deeply and surrounded by her team-mates, a beaming smile lit up her face.
A Dream Return to St Mary's
Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a familiar face there after graduating from the academy and making 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.
Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her return and during just her third international match felt extraordinarily special.
“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall remarked.
“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”
‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’
Southampton built her foundation, yet a formative decision made when she was 15 shaped her destiny.
A proficient cricketer as well, with a father who was a cricketer for Hampshire, she faced a choice between the two pursuits as her football career began to flourish. Football was the choice.
“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall explained in a previous media conference.
“I loved playing cricket growing up. It was a really difficult decision. 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 comparable attacking instincts.
Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree was evidence of the mental fortitude and dedication required for the top level.
The second-tier club held on to 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.
Her meteoric rise has seen her become a WSL fixture and an England international in a short space of time.
“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” 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.”
Kendall certainly enjoyed herself at St Mary's, hitting the crossbar later in the first half and almost teeing up Villa team-mate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal, before Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty.
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 noted, “The faith and regular playing time I received from 16 proved vital.
“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.”
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.
While mindful of protecting her young star, Wiegman is unworried due to Kendall’s humble and focused attitude.
In her early interactions with the press, she stressed her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.
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
