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“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” noted England manager Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was comparable.

The England boss was commenting on the instant the Villa player celebrated wildly following her debut international strike – 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 took in the moment with cheeks puffed and a huge grin.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

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 July move to Aston Villa.

Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt dreamlike.

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

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

Southampton laid the groundwork, yet a formative decision made when she was 15 proved to be a turning point.

Despite being a capable cricketer (her father had a career with 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 said in a recent media conference.

“Growing up, I had a passion for cricket. The decision was genuinely tough. I went back and forth, but when the time came, I knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

Growing up admiring Chelsea and Frank Lampard’s goal-getting midfield exploits, Kendall is starting her own path with comparable attacking instincts.

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 club fought to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa seized the opportunity to introduce her to the top flight.

Within months the Winchester-born player has established herself, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and breaking into the England squad.

“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” admitted Wiegman.

“Everything has happened at breakneck speed, but her ability to sustain her high standards is truly notable.”

The midfielder was influential, later rattling the bar and nearly creating a goal for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late 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 noted, “The trust and consistent playing time I received from 16 proved vital.

“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.”

Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence

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

Wiegman is keen to shield 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 emphasized 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 integrated seamlessly into the squad.

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