Kendall's England Celebration: More Than Just a Win?! You Won't Believe It!

Lucia Kendall's recent performance for England wasn't just a good game; it was the stuff of fairytales. The sheer joy radiating from the young midfielder after scoring her first Lionesses goal was so infectious, it even drew a Champions League comparison from none other than England manager Sarina Wiegman.

Kendall's England Celebration: More Than Just a Wi...

"She celebrated as if she had won the Champions League," Wiegman chuckled, painting a vivid picture of Kendall's exuberant sprint to the corner flag after netting her goal in the 2-0 victory over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium. "They are still doing some treatment on the grass!" she quipped, referencing the aftermath of Kendall's enthusiastic knee slide. You could feel the genuine delight Wiegman had for her player.

The 21-year-old Aston Villa player, visibly beaming with disbelief, was mobbed by her teammates. It was a true homecoming for Kendall, who spent a decade honing her skills at Southampton, progressing through their academy and making over 100 appearances before her move to Villa Park in July. To score at St Mary's Stadium, on her third England appearance no less, was undoubtedly a dream come true for the Winchester native.

"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 still filled with emotion. It's clear that this wasn't just another game; it was a deeply personal milestone.

Kendall's path to the Lionesses wasn't always straightforward. At 15, she faced a pivotal decision, a classic "either/or" scenario familiar to many talented young athletes. Kendall, a keen cricketer like her father Will, who played for Hampshire, had to choose between sports as she broke into Southampton's first-team squad. Ultimately, she chose football, a decision that seems to be paying dividends now.

"It was an interesting one. There was no time for me to do both anymore," Kendall explained back 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." A Chelsea fan whose idol was Frank Lampard, the prolific England midfielder, Kendall is carving out a similar path for herself. And judging by the 'Champions League' celebration, she's certainly enjoying the journey.

It's worth remembering that just months ago, Kendall was juggling life at Southampton with a psychology degree, demonstrating the drive and dedication required to reach the top. While Southampton understandably held onto her for as long as they could, Villa recognized her potential and brought her into the Women's Super League spotlight. Since then, she has made quite the impact, becoming a regular in the top flight and rightfully earning her England call-up.

"She shows consistency, and that's not easy when you just come into a new environment and into the WSL with Aston Villa," Wiegman acknowledged. "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." Kendall also hit the crossbar and almost set up Villa teammate Missy Bo Kearns for a goal before Alessia Russo sealed the victory with a late penalty. Substituted after an hour to a standing ovation, it was a night Kendall, and England fans, won't soon forget.