‘Celebrating like a Champions League champion’ - Kendall’s unforgettable evening 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,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman with a smile.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment was just as monumental.
This comment came as Wiegman spoke about 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 perfect knee slide.
Rising to her feet amidst her celebrating colleagues, the young player wore an expression of utter disbelief.
A Fairytale Homecoming
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, netting at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an unbelievable moment.
“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 remarked.
“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”
A Meteoric Ascent
It may have been Southampton who “shaped” Kendall, but a big decision at the age of 15 proved pivotal to her future.
Despite being a talented cricketer (her father had a career with Hampshire), the impending demands of senior football at Southampton necessitated a decision. She selected football.
“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall said in a previous 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.”
Growing up admiring Chelsea and Frank Lampard’s goal-getting midfield exploits, Kendall is starting her own path with comparable attacking instincts.
Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the determination and commitment to become a star.
The club did their utmost to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to introduce her to the top flight.
Her meteoric rise has seen her become a WSL regular 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,” said Wiegman.
“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”
Her performance was notable; she struck the woodwork and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.
She was substituted after an hour to a cheer from the home crowd and the enthusiastic voice of the stadium announcer proclaiming that she was “Southampton's very own”.
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.
“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].
“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.”
Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her departure in July.
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 confident due to Kendall’s humble and professional attitude.
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 integration was so smooth it seemed she’d been part of the group for ages.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
