The Women’s World Cup begins in Australia and New Zealand today. The month-long festival of football is bigger than ever, expanded from 24 countries to 32.
Among them are England, who are hoping to win the tournament for the first time. Manager Sarina Wiegman’s squad includes two Kent girls who will be doing all they can to help the Lionesses build on last summer’s European Championship success and bring home the trophy.
Striker Alessia Russo, from Maidstone, is one of the biggest stars in the women’s game after scoring four times, including a stunning semi-final backheel, during England’s run to Euro glory.
She’s joined in the squad by Gravesend-born midfielder Laura Coombs, who earned an international recall on the back of an impressive season for Manchester City. Who is Alessia Russo? Alessia Russo, 24, has rarely been out of the news since becoming a household name with her European Championship exploits last summer.