It took Lucia Kendall only six minutes to score in her second starting appearance for England.
“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” noted England boss Sarina Wiegman with a grin.
And for Lucia Kendall, it wasn't far off.
This comment came as Wiegman recalled the young midfielder’s elated reaction to her maiden England goal – early in a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she joked, referring to Kendall’s flawless knee slide.
Rising to her feet within her celebrating colleagues, the young player showed an expression of utter disbelief.
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.
Consequently, scoring at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an unbelievable experience.
“A really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I grew up. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall stated.
“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
It may have been Southampton who “developed” Kendall, but a big decision at the age of 15 proved pivotal to her future.
The talented youngster was also a keen cricketer – her dad Will played for Hampshire – but eventually had to choose between the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She opted for football.
“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall commented 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”
Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder known for his goalscoring prowess – and Kendall has begun her career in a comparable fashion.
Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the determination and dedication to become a star.
The second-tier club held on to her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa pounced to put her in the Women's Super League arena.
Her rapid progress has seen her become a WSL fixture and an England international in a very brief period.
“Maintaining her level immediately in a new league and club is difficult, yet she has done so,” admitted Wiegman.
“Things have gone so quickly so fast, but she just keeps up her levels and shows she is a good player - and that is impressive.”
The midfielder had a lively game, later rattling the bar and nearly creating a goal for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.
Exiting the pitch to acclaim, 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.
“It was the consistent trust they showed in me as a player and the belief. I felt like I was ready for [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.”
Prior to her 2025 transfer, Kendall played 103 games for Southampton.
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 “down-to-earth” Kendall acts.
Days after being called up by the Lionesses for the first time, Kendall was sitting in front of the media saying she was eager to impress, but also understood the need for the team's greater good and whatever role she needed to play in that.
According to Russo, Kendall’s assimilation was so smooth it seemed she’d was a veteran presence.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
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