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“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” remarked England manager Sarina Wiegman with a grin.

To Lucia Kendall, the moment carried similar weight.

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

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

As the 21-year-old rose, exhaling deeply and surrounded by her team-mates, a broad smile spread across her face.

A Dream Return to St Mary's

Kendall was “a mainstay” at Southampton – a club where she had devoted ten years, graduating from their academy and making 103 appearances before joining Villa in July.

Therefore, scoring at St Mary's upon her return 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 felt like it was written [in the stars]. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”

‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’

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

The talented youngster was also a accomplished cricketer – her dad Will represented Hampshire – but ultimately had to choose between the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She chose football.

“It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall explained in a October 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

A Chelsea supporter, her childhood hero was the prolific England midfielder Frank Lampard, and Kendall’s early career is echoing that goalscoring trend.

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

The club fought to keep her, but with her deal up, Villa moved decisively to introduce her to the top flight.

Within months the Winchester-born player has established herself, becoming a consistent starter in the top flight and breaking into the England squad.

“She shows consistency and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa,” admitted Wiegman.

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

Her performance was eye-catching; she struck the woodwork and nearly crafted 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 reflected, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 set me up perfectly.

“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

Kendall has made an immediate impression at international level, with observers stating she has just “understands the game” as a midfielder and looks like a “natural”.

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

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

Arsenal striker Alessia Russo said it felt like Kendall had “been here for years” as she integrated seamlessly into the squad.

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