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“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” noted England manager Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was almost identical.

This comment came as Wiegman recalled the young midfielder’s ecstatic reaction to her maiden England 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 added, poking fun at Kendall’s flawless knee slide.

As the 21-year-old stood up, puffing out her cheeks and engulfed by her team-mates, a broad smile spread across her face.

A Fairytale Homecoming

Kendall was “a fixture” at Southampton – a club where she had devoted ten years, rising through their academy and playing 103 games before joining Villa in July.

Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt unreal.

“A really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I grew up. This place shaped 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 laid the groundwork, yet a important decision made when she was 15 proved to be a turning point.

A proficient cricketer as well, with a father who played county cricket for Hampshire, she was forced to decide between the two pursuits as her football career took off. Football won out.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall said in a October media conference.

“I adored cricket as a child. Making the choice was very hard. 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 embarking on 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 drive and commitment to become a star.

The club fought to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to introduce her to the top flight.

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

“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” noted Wiegman.

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

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

“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take 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.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Kendall has made an immediate impression at international level, with observers stating she has just “understands the game” as a midfielder and looks like a “natural”.

The England manager aims to safeguard her exposure, citing the roles of both media and club, but is reassured by the player’s humble nature.

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

Teammate Alessia Russo observed that Kendall settled as if she’d always been there.

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