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

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was remarkably similar.

This comment came as Wiegman spoke about the young midfielder’s joyous reaction to her maiden England goal – early in a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she joked, in reference to Kendall’s perfect knee slide.

Getting up from her slide, Kendall looked around with cheeks puffed and a massive grin.

A Fairytale Homecoming

Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a familiar face there after coming through the academy and making 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.

Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her return and during just her third international match felt extraordinarily special.

“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 Meteoric Ascent

While Southampton played a key role in her development, a critical choice at 15 set her on her path.

The gifted youngster was also a avid cricketer – her dad Will played for Hampshire – but ultimately had to choose between the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She chose football.

“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall commented 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

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

Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology demonstrated the focus and ambition needed to excel.

The club did their utmost to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to introduce her to the top flight.

Within months the Winchester-born player has made a name for herself, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and earning a place in the England squad.

“She shows consistency and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa,” admitted Wiegman.

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

The midfielder had a lively game, later hitting 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 loud reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.

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 was incredibly beneficial.

“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.”

‘Technically and Tactically, She Is a Very Strong Midfielder’

Kendall has made an immediate impression at international level, with observers stating she has just “got it” as a midfielder and looks like a “natural”.

Wiegman is eager to shield her, saying the media can play a role in that and so can Villa, but she has no concerns because of how “grounded” Kendall acts.

Shortly after her maiden call-up, she spoke to reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while acknowledging the importance of the collective.

According to Russo, Kendall’s integration was so smooth it seemed she’d been part of the group for ages.

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