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“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” noted England coach Sarina Wiegman with a grin.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was almost identical.

Wiegman was describing the moment the Aston Villa midfielder sprinted off into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses goal – early in a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she quipped, poking fun at Kendall’s flawless knee slide.

As the 21-year-old rose, with a look of disbelief and mobbed by her team-mates, a broad smile spread across her face.

A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground

Southampton was her home for a decade; she was a core player there after graduating from the academy and racking up 103 appearances prior to her July move to Aston Villa.

So when she scored at St Mary's Stadium on her return, and on only her third England cap, it was the stuff of dreams.

“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 consumed by emotion really.”

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

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 capable cricketer (her father played for Hampshire), the looming demands of senior football at Southampton necessitated a decision. She went with football.

“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall explained 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder renowned for his goalscoring ability – and Kendall has started out in a comparable fashion.

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology highlighted the discipline and dedication needed to excel.

The club did their utmost to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa seized the opportunity to bring her to the top flight.

In a matter of months, Kendall has quickly risen, securing a starting spot in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.

“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.”

Her performance was notable; she struck the woodwork and nearly crafted 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”.

Having scored 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she reflected, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 set me up perfectly.

“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

Kendall has made an instant impression at international level, with pundits stating she has just “got it” as a midfielder and looks like a “natural”.

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

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

According to Russo, Kendall’s integration was so smooth it seemed she’d was a veteran presence.

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