Lucia Kendall found the net within six minutes of just her second England start.
“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” remarked England coach Sarina Wiegman with a laugh.
To Lucia Kendall, the moment felt just as significant.
Wiegman was recalling the moment the Aston Villa midfielder sprinted off into the corner after scoring her first Lionesses goal – early in a 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.
“They are still doing some treatment on the grass!” she quipped, poking fun at Kendall’s flawless knee slide.
Rising to her feet within her celebrating colleagues, the young player showed an expression of overwhelming happiness.
A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground
Kendall was “part of the furniture” at Southampton – a club where she had spent a decade, coming through their academy and playing 103 games before moving to Villa in July.
Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her homecoming and during just her third international match felt unreal.
“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall said.
“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
A Meteoric Ascent
It may have been Southampton who “made” Kendall, but a crucial decision aged 15 proved decisive to her future.
A skilled cricketer as well, with a father who played county cricket for Hampshire, she faced a choice between the two pursuits as her football career took off. 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.
“I adored cricket as a child. Making the choice was very hard. I went back and forth, but when the time came, I realised 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 similar fashion.
Balancing her football at Southampton with university studies in psychology showcased the focus and ambition needed to excel.
The second-tier club retained her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa swooped to put her in the Women's Super League spotlight.
In a matter of months, Kendall has quickly risen, securing a starting spot in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.
“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.”
Kendall certainly enjoyed herself at St Mary's, hitting the crossbar later in the first half and almost setting up Villa team-mate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal, before Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty.
Her substitution on the hour mark was met with a loud reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.
With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she commented, “The trust and consistent playing time I received from 16 was crucial.
“Their unwavering belief in my abilities made me feel prepared for the challenge ahead.
“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.”
‘Technically and Tactically, She Is a Very Strong Midfielder’
Lucia Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before her exit in July.
Her smooth transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and natural demeanour.
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 “down-to-earth” Kendall conducts herself.
Shortly after her maiden call-up, she faced reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while understanding the importance of the collective.
According to Russo, Kendall’s integration was so smooth it seemed she’d was a veteran presence.
“{This team's just gone on to win back-to
