A Dream Come True for Lucia Kendall
“She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League,” England boss Sarina Wiegman said with a wide smile, reflecting on the moment Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall scored her first goal for the Lionesses. Just six minutes into England’s 2-0 win over Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium, Kendall sprinted off into the corner, knee-sliding so vigorously that Wiegman joked, “They are still doing some treatment on the grass!” The 21-year-old’s joy was palpable as she stood surrounded by her teammates, a broad smile splitting her face. For Kendall, who had grown up at Southampton, scoring on her return to St Mary’s and on only her third England appearance, was a dream come true. “A really special moment for me to be able to do it here, where I grew up. This place made me into the player I am,” Kendall told ITV, her voice filled with emotion. “It felt like it was written [in the stars]. It was so special. I got overwhelmed with emotion really.”
The Tough Decision That Shaped Her Future
Kendall’s journey to this moment was paved with significant choices, none more critical than the one she made at age 15. A talented cricketer, following in her father Will’s footsteps, she also excelled in football. When the demands of both sports became too much, she had to choose. “It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore,” Kendall recalled in her first England media conference in October. “I loved playing cricket growing up. It was a really difficult decision. 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 known for his goalscoring prowess, a role that Kendall has started to emulate. Balancing her football career with a psychology degree at university, Kendall’s drive and dedication were evident from the beginning, setting the stage for her future success.
Rising Through the Ranks at Southampton
Kendall’s formative years were spent at Southampton, a club she calls home. She spent a decade at the club, graduating from their academy and playing 103 games before making the move to Aston Villa in July. “Being at Southampton for so long, I played regular senior football from the age of 16 and that stood me in really good stead,” Kendall shared. “It was the consistent trust they showed in me as a player and the belief. I felt like I was ready for [the next step].” Her impressive performances in the second-tier league caught the attention of Villa, who pounced when her contract expired in the summer. Within months, Winchester-born Kendall had made a name for herself, becoming a regular in the Women’s Super League 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,” Wiegman noted. “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.”
Making an Instant Impact on the International Stage
Kendall’s impact on the international stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Her goal against Ghana was just the beginning, as she hit the crossbar later in the first half and almost set up Villa teammate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal. Alessia Russo added a second with an injury-time penalty, solidifying England’s win. Kendall was substituted after an hour to a rousing cheer from the home crowd, with the stadium announcer proudly declaring her as “Southampton’s very own.” “I knew that I had to go in [to England] and prove why I should be playing at this level. The speed of the game is quicker and it was like going up a division,” Kendall reflected. Her seamless integration into the squad has been noted by former England striker Ian Wright, who described her as a “natural” midfielder who “just got it.”
A Well-Rounded and Grounded Individual
Despite her rapid rise, Kendall remains a humble and grounded individual. “I take a while to come out of my shell,” she admitted. “I play the piano, I do a university degree in psychology. I like to keep football to football, not letting it take over my whole life. I like to cook, spend time with my friends and family. I wouldn’t say I do too much. I just enjoy a peaceful life; a quiet life.” This balanced approach to life has been key to her success, according to those who know her best. Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who coached Kendall at Southampton, described her mentality as “spot on” for playing at the international level. “She is ambitious and a very grounded, very humble young woman,” Spacey-Cale told ITV. “She knows what she wants and how to get there. She is an intelligent player. For someone as young as her, she absolutely understands [the game].” Kendall’s ability to make lung-bursting runs forward and defend effectively, coupled with her technical and tactical strength, has impressed everyone around her.
A Bright Future Ahead
Kendall’s journey from a young player at Southampton to a star in the making for England is a testament to her talent, dedication, and the support she has received along the way. “This team’s just gone on to win back-to-back Euros, so to be able to be in and around them and be in their environment is something I really didn’t think I’d get to do so soon,” Kendall said with a sense of awe. Her integration into the Lionesses squad has been smooth, and her performances have earned her the respect of her peers and coaches alike. “She can make lung-bursting runs forward and she can defend. Technically and tactically, she is a very strong midfield player,” Spacey-Cale added. With her feet firmly on the ground and a bright future ahead, Lucia Kendall is poised to make even more significant contributions to both Aston Villa and the England national team in the years to come.
