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“She reacted like a Champions League winner,” remarked England boss Sarina Wiegman with a smile.

To Lucia Kendall, the moment felt just as significant.

The England boss was commenting on the instant the Villa player celebrated wildly following her debut international strike – early in a win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she quipped, poking fun at Kendall’s perfect knee slide.

As the 21-year-old rose, exhaling deeply and mobbed by her team-mates, a wide smile lit up her face.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Kendall was “part of the furniture” at Southampton – a club where she had spent a decade, graduating from their academy and making 103 games before joining Villa in July.

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

“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall stated.

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”

‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’

Southampton laid the groundwork, yet a important decision made when she was 15 proved to be a turning point.

The talented youngster was also a keen cricketer – her dad Will represented Hampshire – but eventually had to choose between the sports just as she was earning a place in Southampton's first-team squad. She chose football.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall commented 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder renowned for his goalscoring talent – and Kendall has begun her career in a similar fashion.

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

Southampton kept their prized asset as long as possible, but upon her contract expiry, Villa secured her signature to the WSL.

In a matter of months, Kendall has quickly risen, securing a regular place in the WSL and a call-up to the national team.

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

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

Her performance was eye-catching; 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 netted 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she reflected, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 was invaluable experience.

“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.”

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 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.

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “was an old hand” as she slotted straight into the squad.

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