‘Like a Champions League win’ - Kendall’s unforgettable evening 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,” noted England boss Sarina Wiegman with a smile.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment felt just as significant.
The England boss was commenting on the instant the Villa player ran off in jubilation following her debut international strike – six minutes into a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she joked, in reference to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.
Getting up from her slide, Kendall took in the moment with an amazed expression and a massive grin.
A Dream Return to St Mary's
Having been “an integral part” of Southampton for a decade, where she came up through the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a major move.
Consequently, scoring at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an magical moment.
“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall stated.
“It felt like it was written [in the stars]. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
A Rapid Rise to Prominence
While Southampton played a key role in her development, a life-altering choice at 15 determined her trajectory.
A skilled cricketer as well, with a father who was a cricketer for Hampshire, she was forced to decide 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 commented 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 understood I enjoy football a bit more.”
Growing up admiring Chelsea and Frank Lampard’s goal-getting midfield exploits, Kendall is starting her own path with comparable attacking output.
Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology demonstrated the focus and ambition needed to excel.
The club fought to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to bring her to the top flight.
Her rapid progress has seen her become a WSL fixture and an England international in a very brief period.
“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” noted Wiegman.
“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”
Her performance was eye-catching; she came close to scoring again and nearly crafted another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.
Exiting the pitch to acclaim, 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.
“It was the consistent trust they showed in me as a player and the belief. I felt like I was ready for [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 exit in the summer.
Her seamless transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and natural demeanour.
Wiegman is eager to shield her, saying the media can play a role in that and so can Villa, but she has no concerns because of how “grounded” Kendall is.
Days after being called up by the Lionesses for the first time, Kendall was sitting in front of the media saying she was keen to impress, but also understood the need for the team's greater good and whatever role she needed to play in that.
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
