England stars Lucia Kendall and Freya Godfrey on World Cup dreams and waiting game

England’s future is being shaped in real time at St. George’s Park this week, where two emerging Lionesses—midfielder Lucia Kendall and forward Freya Godfrey—have lifted the lid on the pressures, patience, and ambition driving them toward their first senior caps and beyond. Speaking exclusively to BBC Radio 5 Live, the Aston Villa starlet and London City Lionesses attacker offered raw insight into life inside the England setup as the Lionesses prepare to face Spain in a must-win World Cup qualifier on Friday at Mallorca’s Son Moix Stadium.

The stakes could not be higher: victory would clinch England’s place at Brazil 2025, while a draw or defeat hands the initiative to competitors. Kendall, 21, who made her senior debut in April against Brazil, described the intensity of stepping onto the pitch against Europe’s elite midfielders as “a baptism of fire.” Godfrey, 22, who has trained with the squad for over a year while awaiting her first call-up, admitted the delay has sharpened her resolve. “Patience is a skill,” she said. “Every session, every drill—I treat it like a trial. I want to be ready when my name is called.”

Behind the scenes at St. George’s Park, the atmosphere is electric. Coaching staff have been running final simulations, testing systems against Spain’s high-pressing style. Kendall, who plays in a box-to-box role, praised the tactical flexibility of manager Sarina Wiegman. “She pushes us to read the game like pros,” Kendall said. “It’s not just about fitness or technique—it’s about decision-making under pressure.” Godfrey, who has featured in training drills but not in matchday squads, has been logging every detail. “I study the players I’m competing with for minutes,” she said. “I want to know their triggers, their habits. When my chance comes, I won’t be guessing.”

The Lionesses’ World Cup push is colliding with a blockbuster WSL transfer window, where Kendall and Godfrey have front-row seats to club-level upheaval. Stars like Beth Mead, Lauren James, and Sam Kerr are being linked with high-profile moves, reshaping the domestic landscape. Kendall, who has seen firsthand how top talent can shift dynamics, said it’s “a wake-up call for everyone.” Godfrey added: “It shows how serious clubs are now about winning. It raises the bar for all of us.”

England’s preparation has not been without disruption. A recent World Sevens tournament in Brentford tested squad cohesion, with Godfrey and Kendall among those integrating new tactical demands. “It was fast, chaotic, and brilliant,” Kendall recalled. “We learned to trust each other under pressure.” Godfrey, who played limited minutes, focused on translating that experience into her own game. “I took notes on how the veterans handled those moments,” she said. “That’s the England way—learn, adapt, and execute.”

The coming days will decide whether the Lionesses fly to Brazil next summer. For Kendall, the path is already traced; for Godfrey, the door remains ajar. But both agree on one thing: the wait, the grind, the silence before the roar—it’s all part of the process. “I don’t want to be handed anything,” Godfrey said. “I want to earn it.” Kendall nodded. “And when we get there, we’ll be ready.”