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

To Lucia Kendall, the moment was just as monumental.

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

“The ground staff might need to repair that turf!” she quipped, referring to Kendall’s immaculate knee slide.

As the 21-year-old stood up, puffing out her cheeks and surrounded by her team-mates, a broad smile lit up her face.

A Fairytale Homecoming

Southampton was her home for ten years; she was a core player there after coming through the academy and racking up 103 appearances prior to her summer transfer to Aston Villa.

So when she saw the ball hit the back of the net at St Mary's Stadium on her return, and on only her third England cap, it was the pinnacle of her career.

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

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

A Rapid Rise to Prominence

While Southampton played a key role in her development, a life-altering choice at 15 set her on her path.

The talented youngster was also a avid cricketer – her dad Will represented Hampshire – but eventually had to pick one of the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She opted for football.

“It was a tough call. I simply couldn't manage both,” Kendall explained in a previous 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 realised I enjoy football a bit more.”

Her idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard – an England midfielder renowned for his goalscoring ability – and Kendall has started out in a comparable fashion.

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

The second-tier club held on to 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 spotlight.

In a matter of months, Kendall has rapidly ascended, securing a regular place 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,” said Wiegman.

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

Her performance was eye-catching; she struck the woodwork and was instrumental in another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.

Exiting the pitch to acclaim, the announcer highlighted her deep connection to the club and city.

Having netted 29 times for Southampton during her long tenure, she said, “My early exposure to senior football there from 16 was invaluable experience.

“The constant faith they placed in me gave me the confidence to take the next step.

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

‘Technically and Tactically, She Is a Very Strong Midfielder’

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 “natural”.

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

Shortly after her maiden call-up, she spoke to 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