
England striker Alessia Russo has gone from the only girl in an under-eights’ team in Kent to the brink of World Cup glory.
The 24-year-old scored the third goal in the 3-1 victory over Australia in front of 75,000 fans in Sydney on Wednesday to set up a final against Spain on Sunday. It is a far cry from her first efforts at West Farleigh Sports Club near Maidstone. Club chairman Paul Baines said it was “amazing” to see one of their own leading the line for the Lionesses going into a World Cup final.