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“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” remarked England manager 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 added, referring to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.

Rising to her feet amidst her celebrating colleagues, the young player showed an expression of pure joy.

A Fairytale Homecoming

Having been “an integral part” of Southampton for ten years, where she progressed from the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a major move.

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

“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall remarked.

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

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

Southampton built her foundation, yet a formative decision made when she was 15 shaped her destiny.

Despite being a talented cricketer (her father had a career with Hampshire), the looming demands of senior football at Southampton necessitated a decision. She selected football.

“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall said in a previous 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 realised 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.

Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree signaled the drive and commitment required for the top level.

The second-tier club held on to 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.

Her meteoric rise has seen her become a WSL regular and an England international in a short space of time.

“She shows consistency and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa,” noted 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 was influential, later hitting the bar and nearly creating a goal for Kearns, prior to Russo’s late penalty.

Exiting the pitch to acclaim, the announcer highlighted her deep connection to the club and city.

Having netted 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she reflected, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 provided a solid base.

“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take the next step.

“I knew that I had to go in [to England] and prove why I should be playing at this level. The speed of the game is quicker and it was like going up a division.”

Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence

At the highest level, she has appeared comfortable, described as a natural midfielder who “understands”.

While mindful of shielding her young star, Wiegman is confident due to Kendall’s grounded and professional attitude.

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

Teammate Alessia Russo remarked that Kendall settled as if she’d always been there.

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