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“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” remarked England boss Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was almost identical.

This comment came as Wiegman recalled the young midfielder’s ecstatic reaction to her maiden England goal – during the opening stages of a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“They are still doing some treatment on the grass!” she quipped, referring to Kendall’s perfect knee slide.

As the 21-year-old got to her feet, puffing out her cheeks and mobbed by her team-mates, a broad smile appeared on her face.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Having been “an integral part” of Southampton for a decade, where she came up through the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a major move.

So when she found the net at St Mary's Stadium on her homecoming, and on only her third England cap, it was the stuff of dreams.

“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 said.

“It felt like it was written [in the stars]. It was so special. I got flooded with emotion really.”

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

It may have been Southampton who “shaped” Kendall, but a major decision aged 15 proved pivotal to her future.

A skilled cricketer as well, with a father who played county cricket for Hampshire, she was forced to decide between the two pursuits as her football career began to flourish. Football was the choice.

“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall said in a October 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.”

Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder famed for his goalscoring ability – and Kendall has begun her career in a like fashion.

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology highlighted the discipline and dedication needed to excel.

Southampton kept their prized asset for the maximum time, but upon her contract expiry, Villa signed her to the WSL.

Her rapid progress has seen her become a WSL fixture and an England international in a short space of time.

“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 notable; 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.

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she noted, “The faith and regular playing time I received from 16 was crucial.

“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.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Her smooth transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and effortless 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 “down-to-earth” Kendall conducts herself.

In her early interactions with the press, she stressed her willingness to fulfill any role for the benefit of the team.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “was an old hand” as she slotted straight into the squad.

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