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

To Lucia Kendall, the moment felt just as significant.

This comment came as Wiegman recalled the young midfielder’s elated reaction to her maiden England goal – six minutes into a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

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

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

A Fairytale Homecoming

Kendall was “a fixture” at Southampton – a club where she had been for ten seasons, graduating from their academy and playing 103 appearances before joining Villa in July.

Consequently, netting at her old stomping ground in only her third game for England was an magical moment.

“It was a truly special moment to achieve this here, in my hometown. 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 Meteoric Ascent

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

A proficient cricketer as well, with a father who played county cricket for Hampshire, she faced a choice between the two pursuits as her football career began to flourish. Football was the choice.

“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall said 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 understood 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.

Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree was evidence of the mental fortitude and dedication required for the top level.

Southampton held onto their prized asset for the maximum time, but upon her contract expiry, Villa secured her signature to the WSL.

Within months the Winchester-born player has risen to prominence, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and earning a place in the England squad.

“Displaying consistency is challenging for any new arrival in the WSL, but she has managed it,” 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.”

Her performance was notable; she came close to scoring again and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.

Her substitution on the hour mark was met with a resounding reception from fans and an announcer proudly declaring her local roots.

Having scored 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she said, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 set me up perfectly.

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

“I understood the need to justify my selection at international level, where the tempo is higher, akin to moving up a league.”

Acknowledgment of Her Football Intelligence

Kendall has made an instant impression at international level, with observers stating she has just “has the quality” as a midfielder and looks like a “born talent”.

The England manager aims 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 sitting in front of the media saying she was eager to impress, but also understood the need for the team's greater good and whatever role she needed to play in that.

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