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

And for Lucia Kendall, it wasn't far off.

Wiegman was describing the moment the Aston Villa midfielder sprinted off 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 joked, referring to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.

Rising to her feet among her celebrating colleagues, the young player showed an expression of overwhelming happiness.

A Fairytale Homecoming

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 summer transfer to Aston Villa.

So when she saw the ball hit the back of the net at St Mary's Stadium on her return, and on only her third England appearance, it was the pinnacle of her career.

“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall remarked.

“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 determined her trajectory.

The talented youngster was also a accomplished cricketer – her dad Will played for Hampshire – but ultimately had to pick one of the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She opted for football.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall said in a recent 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 idol was the prolific England midfielder Frank Lampard, and Kendall’s early career is mirroring that goalscoring trend.

Her ability to manage first-team football alongside a psychology degree signaled the mental fortitude and dedication required for the top level.

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

“She shows consistency and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa,” admitted 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.

She was substituted after an hour to a ovation from the home crowd and the excited voice of the stadium announcer boasting that she was “Southampton's very own”.

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The trust 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 understood the need to justify my selection at international level, where the tempo is higher, akin to moving up a league.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Her smooth transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and natural demeanour.

While mindful of shielding her young star, Wiegman is unworried due to Kendall’s humble and focused attitude.

In her early interactions with the press, she emphasized her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “fitted in instantly” as she integrated seamlessly into the squad.

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