‘Like a Champions League win’ - Kendall’s unforgettable performance for England
Lucia Kendall hit the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” remarked England boss Sarina Wiegman with a smile.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment carried similar weight.
Wiegman was describing the moment the Aston Villa midfielder raced away into the corner after slotting her first Lionesses goal – during the opening stages of a win 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 got to her feet, with a look of disbelief and engulfed by her team-mates, a wide smile spread across her face.
A Dream Return to St Mary's
Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a familiar face there after coming through the academy and making 103 appearances prior to her July move to Aston Villa.
Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt extraordinarily special.
“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall remarked.
“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”
A Rapid Rise to Prominence
While Southampton was instrumental in her development, a significant choice at 15 was vital for her prospects.
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 took off. Football was the choice.
“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall said in a October 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.”
Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder known for his goalscoring prowess – and Kendall has started out in a like fashion.
Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology showcased the focus and ambition needed to excel.
The second-tier club retained her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa swooped to put her in the Women's Super League spotlight.
Within months the Winchester-born player has made a name for herself, becoming a regular in the top flight and breaking into the England squad.
“Displaying consistency is challenging for any new arrival in the WSL, but she has managed it,” admitted 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.
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 commented, “The trust and regular playing time I received from 16 proved vital.
“Their unwavering belief in my abilities made me feel prepared for the challenge ahead.
“I understood the need to justify my selection at international level, where the tempo is higher, akin to moving up a league.”
Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her departure in the summer.
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 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.
According to Russo, Kendall’s assimilation was so smooth it seemed she’d been part of the group for ages.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
