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“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” said England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.

And for Lucia Kendall, it wasn't far off.

The England boss was discussing the instant the Villa player ran off in jubilation following her debut international strike – six minutes into a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

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

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

A Fairytale Homecoming

Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a familiar face there after graduating from the academy and making 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.

“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place forged the player I am,” Kendall said.

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”

A Meteoric Ascent

Southampton built her foundation, yet a important decision made when she was 15 proved to be a turning point.

Despite being a capable cricketer (her father played for Hampshire), the looming demands of senior football at Southampton forced her hand. She went with football.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall commented in a recent 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.”

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

Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the work ethic and commitment 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 acted quickly to put her in the Women's Super League limelight.

Her rapid progress has seen her become a WSL regular 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,” noted Wiegman.

“The pace of her rise has been breathtaking, yet she maintains her performance standard, proving her quality impressively.”

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 resounding 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 stood me in really good stead.

“Their unwavering belief in my abilities made me feel prepared for the challenge ahead.

“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

At the highest level, she has immediately looked the part, described as a gifted midfielder who “has it”.

The England manager wants to safeguard her exposure, citing the roles of both media and club, but is reassured by the player’s modest nature.

In her early interactions with the press, she emphasized her willingness to play her part for the benefit of the team.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “fitted in instantly” as she integrated seamlessly into the squad.

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