Lucia Kendall produced a dream performance for England, scoring just six minutes into her second start as the Lionesses beat Ghana 2-0 at St Mary’s Stadium. The Aston Villa midfielder celebrated with such joy that England coach Sarina Wiegman joked she celebrated “as if she had won the Champions League.”
The 21-year-old’s strike was the perfect way to cap a special night, particularly given her deep connection to Southampton, the club where she spent a decade developing from academy prospect to senior player. Kendall made 103 appearances for Southampton before moving to Villa in July 2025, and scoring on her return to St Mary’s was a moment she described as “overwhelming with emotion.”
A Rapid Rise Through the Ranks
Kendall’s journey to the top has been marked by focus and dedication. As a teenager, she was also a talented cricketer, following in her father Will’s footsteps with Hampshire. Ultimately, she chose football, joining Southampton’s first team at just 16 and balancing her career with a psychology degree at university.
Her move to Aston Villa this summer introduced her to the Women’s Super League (WSL) spotlight, and she adapted quickly, impressing with her consistency and technical ability. “Things have gone so quickly so fast, but she keeps up her levels and shows she is a good player,” said Wiegman.
In the match against Ghana, Kendall not only scored early but also hit the crossbar later in the first half and created opportunities for teammates, including Villa colleague Missy Bo Kearns. Arsenal striker Alessia Russo added a late second from a penalty to seal the victory.
Kendall’s Style and Strengths
Kendall has impressed coaches and peers alike with her intelligence on the field. Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who coached her at Southampton, described her as “technically and tactically very strong,” capable of making lung-bursting runs forward while also defending. Former England striker Ian Wright noted that Kendall “has just got it” as a midfielder and looks like a natural at international level.
Her ability to integrate quickly into England’s squad has been praised by teammates, with Russo noting Kendall “feels like she’s been here for years.” Kendall herself remains humble, emphasizing a balanced lifestyle outside football, including playing the piano, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
A Bright Future Ahead
Kendall’s fast rise—from Southampton academy graduate to WSL regular to England goal-scorer—is a testament to her talent, mentality, and dedication. With her first international goal now in the books, Kendall is well on her way to becoming a key figure for both Aston Villa and the Lionesses in the years ahead.
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