Lucia Kendall on Her Rapid Rise, England Debut, and Ambitions with Aston Villa
Lucia Kendall, the 22-year-old midfielder for Aston Villa, experienced a stunning first season in the Women’s Super League (WSL) that quickly earned her a call-up to the England national team. Just weeks into the 2025-26 campaign, she was summoned by coach Sarina Wiegman to join the Lionesses, marking a rapid ascent in her career. Kendall admits it still feels surreal to be an established England player.
From Southampton to the Top Flight
Kendall’s journey started at Southampton, where she debuted as a teenager and spent five years playing senior football in the lower tiers. She moved to Villa in July last year, stepping up from WSL 2 to the top division. Her impact was immediate: she made her WSL debut in September against Chelsea and by October was named in the England squad. Two weeks later, she started against Australia and earned Player of the Match honors.
Returning to Southampton for a Lionesses camp, she scored in the win over Ghana at St. Mary’s. Her strong performances secured her a starting spot in England’s World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley, which England won 1-0.
“Crazy,” Kendall says when reflecting on the whirlwind season, adding, “Even now, I look back and can’t really take it all in.”
Maturity Beyond Her Years
Despite the rapid rise, Kendall hasn’t been overwhelmed. She credits her grounding at Southampton for preparing her physically and mentally, having had to take charge in matches from a young age, even in lower leagues. Adjusting to life away from home has been challenging but manageable.
“Playing for England opened my eyes to what I’ve dreamed of. It almost relaxed me – like, I’ve done it, so now I can enjoy it,” she explains.
International Confidence and Trust
The transition from club to international football came swiftly. While England celebrated their second consecutive European title, Kendall was finalizing her move to Villa. When asked if she feels like an England player yet, she laughs and admits the reality is still sinking in.
Her confidence is carefully balanced with understanding the weight of representing her country. Early trust from coach Wiegman, who told her “You deserve to be playing” before her debut, boosted her self-belief. At Villa, coach Natalia Arroyo’s faith in young talent gave Kendall assurance she could earn a starting spot if she performed.
Goals for Villa and Beyond
Villa finished ninth last season, a dip from previous top-half finishes, and Kendall sees room for improvement. The team aims to increase intensity and raise standards. After a season focused on survival in the WSL, Kendall wants to be more influential—scoring, assisting, and making riskier plays that break defensive lines.
Her long-term ambition is to master all midfield roles. At Villa, she played deeper to control tempo, while with England she often fills a box-to-box role. Earlier in her career at Southampton, she was a prolific No.10, scoring 21 goals in 24 games during a promotion-winning season.
“I don’t think No.10 is my natural position, but I want to be a player who can perform anywhere in midfield,” Kendall says.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
Kendall’s sights are set on the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Though she reflects on last season’s success, her focus remains firmly on daily progress and helping Villa improve. The World Cup acts as her guiding target, but she emphasizes the importance of managing pressure and concentrating on consistent performance.
“Come the summer, I want to be there. But so much has to go right—taking care of my body, staying confident, and keeping the right mindset. It’s like a north star, but every day I have to focus on being successful with Villa and playing my part,” she says.
