The England Lionesses roared into the new year with a commanding 2-0 victory over Ghana, but here's where it gets exciting: this match wasn't just about the win—it was a showcase of emerging talent and a celebration of a historic year for women's football. Lucia Kendall, the 21-year-old Southampton academy graduate, stole the spotlight with a homecoming goal just six minutes into the game, marking her second start for the Lionesses in style. And this is the part most people miss: Kendall’s rapid rise from WSL newcomer to national team scorer is a testament to her grit and potential, especially after her standout debut against Australia in October.
The match, held at St Mary's Stadium, was a dominant display from England, who struck the woodwork four times—including a crossbar hit by Kendall herself. Substitute Alessia Russo sealed the deal in stoppage time, converting a penalty she won for handball. But here's the controversial bit: while England’s victory was never in doubt, Ghana’s performance raised eyebrows. Sitting 67th in the world rankings, they held their ground against the Lionesses, who are arguably the best team in the world right now. Ghana’s coach, Kim Bjorkegren, boldly stated, ‘We’re moving in the right direction, and almost everyone can see that.’ Is Ghana the dark horse team to watch in the coming years? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Manager Sarina Wiegman used this friendly to test young talent, giving opportunities to players like Missy Bo Kearns, Maya Le Tissier, and Taylor Hinds, who all shone brightly. Wiegman’s strategy paid off, as England ended 2025 on a high note after defending their European title and reaching three consecutive major tournament finals. This match also marked Wiegman’s return to St Mary's, where her tenure began with an 8-0 win over North Macedonia in 2021.
For Kendall, the night was particularly special. Returning to the club where she spent nearly a decade, scoring 29 goals in 103 appearances, she celebrated her first international goal with a knee-slide that will be remembered for years. Her connection with Aston Villa teammate Kearns nearly led to another goal, but goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Fiindib denied the chance. Meanwhile, Aggie Beever-Jones and Lucy Bronze both hit the crossbar, showcasing England’s depth and versatility.
Ghana, despite the loss, showed promise. They tested goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, who started just her second game due to injuries to Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating. Bjorkegren’s post-match comments highlighted Ghana’s ambition: ‘We always want to be better.’ But here’s the question: Can Ghana bridge the gap with football powerhouses like England, or will they remain a team with potential but limited impact on the global stage? Share your thoughts below.
As the Lionesses wrap up their final friendly of the year, attention turns to their 2027 World Cup qualification campaign. With Wiegman at the helm and a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents, England looks unstoppable. But what’s next for Ghana? Will they rise through the ranks, or will they remain a stepping stone for teams like England? One thing’s for sure: this match was more than just a friendly—it was a glimpse into the future of women’s football. What did you think of the game? Let us know in the comments!
