‘As if she had won the Champions League’ - Kendall’s memorable evening for England
Lucia Kendall found the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” remarked England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment carried similar weight.
Wiegman was reflecting on the moment the Aston Villa midfielder dashed into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses goal – early in a 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she quipped, poking fun at Kendall’s perfect knee slide.
Getting up from her slide, Kendall looked around with an amazed expression and a huge grin.
A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground
Kendall was “a fixture” at Southampton – a club where she had devoted ten years, graduating from their academy and playing 103 appearances before joining Villa in July.
Consequently, scoring at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an magical experience.
“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall stated.
“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”
A Meteoric Ascent
It may have been Southampton who “made” Kendall, but a major decision aged 15 proved crucial to her future.
The gifted youngster was also a avid cricketer – her dad Will represented Hampshire – but eventually had to choose between the sports just as she was earning a place in Southampton's first-team squad. She chose football.
“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall said in a recent 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 realised 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 following that goalscoring trend.
Her ability to manage first-team football alongside a psychology degree signaled the mental fortitude and commitment required for the top level.
The second-tier club held on to 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 limelight.
Within months the Winchester-born player has risen to prominence, 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.
“Everything has happened at breakneck speed, but her ability to sustain her high standards is truly notable.”
Her performance was eye-catching; she struck the woodwork and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.
Exiting the pitch to applause, the announcer emphasized her deep connection to the club and city.
Having netted 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she said, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 provided a solid base.
“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take the next step.
“Entering the England setup, I was aware I had to demonstrate my worth. The increased pace felt like a step up in class.”
‘Technically and Tactically, She Is a Very Strong Midfielder’
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her exit in July.
Her seamless transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and effortless demeanour.
Wiegman is keen to protect her, saying the media can play a role in that and so can Villa, but she has no concerns because of how “humble” Kendall acts.
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