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

And for Lucia Kendall, it was a near-equivalent experience.

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

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

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

A Fairytale Homecoming

Having been “a staple” of Southampton for a decade, where she came up through the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a big step.

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

“A really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I grew up. This place shaped the player I am,” Kendall said.

“It appeared as though it was fate. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

It may have been Southampton who “developed” Kendall, but a major decision at the age of 15 proved crucial to her future.

The gifted youngster was also a accomplished cricketer – her dad Will played for 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 said in a previous media conference.

“Growing up, I had a passion for cricket. The decision was genuinely tough. 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 starting her own path with similar attacking instincts.

Her ability to handle first-team football alongside a psychology degree indicated the drive and dedication required for the top level.

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

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

“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.

“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.

She came off after an hour to a roar from the home crowd and the excited voice of the stadium announcer boasting that she was “Southampton's very own”.

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she noted, “The trust and consistent playing time I received from 16 made all the difference.

“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.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

At the highest level, she has appeared comfortable, described as a gifted midfielder who “has it”.

While mindful of shielding her young star, Wiegman is unworried due to Kendall’s grounded and professional attitude.

Shortly after her maiden call-up, she faced reporters, expressing a desire to contribute while understanding the importance of the collective.

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

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