A Celebratory Moment That Felt Like a Trophy Win
England manager Sarina Wiegman couldn’t help but laugh as she recalled Lucia Kendall’s explosive celebration after scoring her first goal for the Lionesses.
“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,”
Wiegman joked, referencing Kendall’s dramatic knee slide that left visible marks on the St Mary’s pitch.
For Kendall, the moment truly felt historic. Just six minutes into England’s 2-0 victory over Ghana, the Aston Villa midfielder sent the ball into the net — and instantly sprinted toward the corner, overwhelmed by emotion. As she paused, cheeks puffed and surrounded by ecstatic team-mates, the 21-year-old soaked in a moment she had dreamed of since childhood.
Returning to Southampton — where she played for a decade, made over 100 appearances, and grew up as a player — made the moment even more powerful.
“It felt like it was written in the stars,” Kendall told ITV. “Being here, where I grew up… it was so special.”
From Cricket to Football: The Choice That Changed Everything
Though Southampton shaped her into a footballer, Kendall’s future could have been very different. At 15, she was also excelling at cricket — following in the footsteps of her father, former Hampshire player Will Kendall.
But with both sports demanding full commitment, she had to choose.
“I enjoyed cricket so much, but ultimately I enjoyed football a bit more,” she explained.
Her dedication was clear early on. While completing a psychology degree, Kendall became a regular in Southampton’s senior team from the age of 16. Her goalscoring instincts mirrored her idol, former Chelsea star Frank Lampard.
When her contract expired last summer, Aston Villa seized the chance to bring her into the Women’s Super League — and the move immediately paid off. Wiegman praised her consistency and maturity, saying Kendall has adapted to top-flight football “incredibly quickly.”
Kendall nearly doubled her tally against Ghana, hitting the crossbar before being substituted to a roaring ovation from the home crowd. The stadium announcer proudly called her “Southampton’s very own,” a sentiment echoed by fans who watched her rise from academy hopeful to international star.
A Humble Talent with a Grounded Mindset
Inside the England camp, Kendall has impressed both coaches and teammates. Former striker Ian Wright said she simply “gets it” as a midfielder, while Alessia Russo admitted it feels like Kendall has
“been here for years.”
Despite sudden fame, Kendall remains grounded. She plays piano, studies psychology, prefers quiet time with family, and avoids letting football dominate her life.
“I like to keep football to football,” she said. “I enjoy a peaceful, quiet life.”
Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who coached her at Southampton, believes Kendall is mentally ready for the highest level.
“She is ambitious, humble, intelligent… technically and tactically strong,” Spacey-Cale told ITV. “She’s made mistakes in safe environments, and that’s helped her grow.”
From the academy fields of Southampton to scoring under the stadium lights for England, Lucia Kendall’s journey is only beginning — but her special night at St Mary’s has already cemented her as one of the Lionesses’ brightest rising stars.
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