'We must surf with her' - Arroyo on Villa's Kendall

Kendall played the full 90 minutes as England beat Australia in Derby

Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo hopes Lucia Kendall will take a "big boost" and "continue pushing" after making her full England debut earlier this week.

Kendall was a surprise inclusion in Sarina Wiegman's squad for the October internationals, and was named in the England starting XI that beat Australia 3-0 on Tuesday.

"It was a nice surprise when we saw her name in the call," Arroyo said during her news conference ahead of Villa's Women's Super League match against Everton on Sunday (12:00 GMT).

"Once the game started and the camera focused on her she looked nervous but she found a way of competing to show how good she is.

"She performed really well, we are very proud of how she is adapting. We knew we were signing a good talent, but it's crazy that in the space of a few months she is able to perform in this way."

After joining Villa from WSL2 side Southampton in the summer, Kendall has started Villa's last three league games.

"She is a smart player technically, she can do a lot of things but she also reads when to do them," Arroyo said.

"This timing, positioning and understanding of the game is the hardest thing for a coach to give to the players. The ability she has to play easy and find magical solutions when needed.

"She can dribble and carry the ball, or stay still and dominate 360 degrees of midfield. She dictates the tempo, the hardest thing for a 21-year-old midfielder.

"She is surfing in this way and we need to surf with her and use this this excitement and help her."

Arroyo also spoke about her side's defensive improvement - Villa have conceded just four goals in five WSL games this season and have kept five clean sheets in seven matches in all competitions.

"We realised there is no way you can be competitive conceding one or two goals every game," Arroyo said of Villa's leaky defence last season.

"[Now we are] aggressive, defend with more energy and fire. The players are committed and are celebrating clean sheets.

"The whole team understands it has to be a team thing. From the high press to the ability to add bodies around the ball, being smart in reading the triggers and being more positive in the duels."

Arroyo confirmed Villa have no fresh injury concerns following the international break.