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“Her celebration was worthy of a Champions League triumph,” noted England boss Sarina Wiegman with a grin.

For Lucia Kendall, the feeling was almost identical.

Wiegman was describing the moment the Aston Villa midfielder sprinted off into the corner after slotting her first Lionesses goal – six minutes into a 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“I think the pitch needs some attention after that!” she quipped, poking fun at Kendall’s perfect knee slide.

Getting up from her slide, Kendall took in the moment with an amazed expression and a huge grin.

A Scripted Moment at a Familiar Ground

Kendall was “a fixture” at Southampton – a club where she had spent a decade, coming through their academy and playing 103 games before moving to Villa in July.

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

“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. This place shaped the player I am,” Kendall remarked.

“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 “made” Kendall, but a major decision at the age of 15 proved decisive to her future.

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

“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall commented in a previous media conference.

“I loved playing cricket growing up. It was a really difficult decision. I went back and forth, but when the time came, I understood 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 similar attacking output.

Juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree at university, it was clear early on that Kendall had the determination and dedication to become a star.

The second-tier club retained her for as long as they could, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa pounced to put her in the Women's Super League limelight.

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,” noted Wiegman.

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

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.

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.

“Entering the England setup, I was aware I had to demonstrate my worth. The increased pace felt like a step up in class.”

Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence

Her smooth transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and effortless demeanour.

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

Days after being called up by the Lionesses for the first time, Kendall was addressing the media saying she was keen to impress, but also understood the need for the team's greater good and whatever role she needed to play in that.

Teammate Alessia Russo remarked that Kendall integrated as if she’d been a long-term member.

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