‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s memorable performance for England
Lucia Kendall hit the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment carried similar weight.
Wiegman was recalling the moment the Aston Villa midfielder dashed into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses goal – during the opening stages of a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she quipped, in reference to Kendall’s flawless knee slide.
Getting up from her slide, Kendall looked around with an amazed expression and a massive grin.
A Fairytale Homecoming
Southampton was her home for a decade; she was a core player there after coming through the academy and racking up 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.
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 shaped the player I am,” Kendall said.
“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’
While Southampton was instrumental in her development, a significant choice at 15 set her on her path.
Despite being a talented cricketer (her father played for Hampshire), the impending demands of senior football at Southampton forced her hand. She went with football.
“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall commented 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”
A Chelsea supporter, her childhood hero was the prolific England midfielder Frank Lampard, and Kendall’s early career is echoing that goalscoring trend.
Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the work ethic and commitment to become a star.
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.
In a matter of months, Kendall has quickly risen, securing a starting spot in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.
“Displaying consistency is challenging for any new arrival in the WSL, but she has managed it,” said Wiegman.
“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”
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 resounding reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.
With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The faith and regular playing time I received from 16 made all the difference.
“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.”
Praise for a Complete Midfielder
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her exit in July.
At the highest level, she has appeared comfortable, described as a natural midfielder who “gets it”.
While mindful of shielding 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 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
