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

And for Lucia Kendall, it felt incredibly close.

Wiegman was recalling the moment the Aston Villa midfielder raced away into the corner after slotting her first Lionesses goal – during the opening stages of a triumph over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

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

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

A Fairytale Homecoming

Having been “an integral part” of Southampton for ten years, where she progressed from the youth ranks to play over a century of games, her summer switch to Villa was a significant change.

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

“To do it here, where I was raised, was an immensely special moment. This place shaped the player I am,” Kendall said.

“It seemed destined to happen. It was so special. I got consumed by emotion really.”

‘Things Have Gone So Quickly’

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

The gifted youngster was also a avid cricketer – her dad Will played for Hampshire – but eventually had to choose between the sports just as she was breaking into Southampton's first-team squad. She chose football.

“It presented a dilemma. Juggling both became impossible,” Kendall explained 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 knew I enjoy football a bit more.”

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

Her ability to manage first-team football alongside a psychology degree indicated the mental fortitude and commitment required for the top level.

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 arena.

Within months the Winchester-born player has made a name for herself, becoming a regular 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.

“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 struck the woodwork and nearly crafted another chance, preceding Russo’s spot-kick.

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

With 29 Southampton goals to her name, she noted, “The trust and regular playing time I received from 16 was crucial.

“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.”

Praise for a Complete Midfielder

Her seamless transition to the international stage has led to praise for her innate midfield qualities and effortless demeanour.

Wiegman is eager to shield her, saying the media can play a role in that and so can Villa, but she has no concerns because of how “grounded” Kendall conducts herself.

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

According to Russo, Kendall’s assimilation was so smooth it seemed she’d been part of the group for ages.

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