‘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.
“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
And for Lucia Kendall, it wasn't far off.
Wiegman was recalling the moment the Aston Villa midfielder dashed into the corner after netting her first Lionesses goal – early in a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she added, referring to Kendall’s flawless knee slide.
Getting up from her slide, Kendall took in the moment with cheeks puffed and a radiant grin.
A Dream Return to St Mary's
Kendall was “a mainstay” at Southampton – a club where she had been for ten seasons, rising through their academy and playing 103 games before joining Villa in July.
Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her return and during just her third international match felt unreal.
“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall stated.
“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”
A Meteoric Ascent
While Southampton was instrumental in her development, a life-altering choice at 15 set her on her path.
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 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 realised I enjoy football a bit more.”
Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder known for his goalscoring ability – and Kendall has started out in a comparable fashion.
Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree indicated the mental fortitude and dedication required for the top level.
The second-tier club retained her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa acted quickly to put her in the Women's Super League arena.
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,” noted 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 nearly crafted another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.
Exiting the pitch to acclaim, the announcer emphasized her deep connection to the club and city.
Kendall scored 29 goals for the club in more than a decade of service and added: “Being at Southampton for so long, I played regular senior football from the age of 16 and that stood me in really good stead.
“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.”
Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her exit in 2025.
At the highest level, she has appeared comfortable, described as a gifted midfielder who “understands”.
While mindful of shielding her young star, Wiegman is unworried due to Kendall’s grounded and focused attitude.
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 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