"He's just won the Champions League," joked England coach Sarina Wiegman with a smile.

And for Lucy Kendall, it wasn't far off.

Wiegman was describing the moment Aston Villa midfielder Kendall sprinted to the corner after scoring the opening goal - six minutes into their 2-0 win over Ghana at St Mary's Stadium.

"They're still on the grass treating him!" she added jokingly, referring to Kendall's perfect knee slide.

At 21, Kendall got to her feet, flushed-cheeked and surrounded by all her team-mates, with a broad smile on her face.

Kendall was an "apprentice" at Southampton - the club where she spent 10 years, graduating from their academy and playing 103 games, before joining Villa in July.

So when she saw the ball hit the back of the net at St Mary's Stadium on just her third England appearance, it was dream stuff.

"It was a really special moment for me to be able to do that here, where I grew up. This place made me the player I am," Kendall told ITV.

"It was so special. I was just overwhelmed with emotion."

"It all happened so fast"

Southampton may have "made" Kendall, but a big decision at 15 played a crucial role in her future.

The gifted youngster was also a cricket enthusiast - her father played for Wilhempshawe - but eventually she had to choose between the two sports because she was in Southampton's first team.

It was a tough decision. I loved playing cricket. It was a really tough decision. I went back and forth, but when it came down to it, I realized I enjoyed football a bit more."

His idol growing up as a Chelsea fan was Frank Lampard - the England midfielder known for his ability to score goals - and Kendall started out in a similar way.

While growing up in Southampton, Kendall had a psychology degree at university, it was clear from the start that Kendall had the drive and dedication to become a star.

The lower-league club held onto her for as long as possible, but when her contract expired in the summer, Villa swooped to light her up in the WSL.

In months, the Winchester-born Kendall made a name for herself, becoming a regular in the top flight and earning an England call-up.

"She's showing consistency and that's not easy when you're just stepping into a new environment with Aston Villa in the WSL," Wiegman admitted.

"It all happened so fast, but she's just kept her level and shown she's a good player - and that's impressive."

Kendall certainly enjoyed herself at St Mary's Stadium, with a first-half crossbar-bound effort and almost setting up Villa team-mate Betsy Cranston's goal before Alessia Russo scored the second with a penalty after a handball.

She went on to hear the home fans roar and the enthusiastic voice of the stadium announcer proudly proclaiming her as "Southampton's own."

Kendall scored 29 goals for the club in 11 years and added: "Being at Southampton for so long, I was playing regular senior football from 16 and that really gave me a good foundation."

"It was consistent trust that they showed me as a player and belief. I knew I had to go [to England] and prove why I should be playing at this level. The pace of the game is faster and it's like I've moved up a division."

"Technically and tactically, she's a very strong midfielder"

Kendall made an instant impression at international level, with former England striker Ian Wright saying she "just had" as a midfielder and looked "natural."

Wiegman wants to protect her, saying the media can play a role in that, as can Villa, but she has no concerns about how "humble" Kendall is.

A few days after being called up for England, Kendall sat in front of the media saying she wanted to make an impression but also understood the need for the greater good of the team and any role she had to play in that.

Arsenal striker Russo said Kendall felt like "years" had passed since she slotted straight into the starting line-up.

"This team just went to Euros twice, so being around them and in this environment is something I really didn't expect so soon," Kendall admitted.

"It's taken me a while to come out of my shell. I play the piano, I'm studying psychology. I like to keep football as football, not let it take over my whole life."

"I like to prepare, spend time with friends and family. I don't say I do a lot. I just enjoy a quiet life; a quiet life."

Having coached her at Southampton, Marieanne Spacey-Cymiaeli knows Kendall well and described her mentality as "right" for playing for her country.

"From the moment I met her. She is ambitious and very humble young woman," the former Arsenal and England striker told ITV.

"She has what she wants and how to get there. She is an intelligent player. For her age, she absolutely understands [the game]."

"She can run a mile in her lungs and can defend. Technically and tactically, she's a very strong midfielder."

"She's made a lot of mistakes, but she's been in a safe environment to make those mistakes and that's helped her grow. I've been very impressed."