Alessia Russo scores twice as England beat Northern Ireland 5-0 at Women's Euros

Alessia Russo was at it again as England finished their Women’s Euros group with a 100% record.

Half-time substitute Russo, born and bred in Maidstone, scored with her second and third touches as the Lionesses beat Northern Ireland 5-0 at St Mary’s.

She headed England into a 3-0 lead in the 48th minute and added her second five minutes later with a classy turn and finish.

It might have got even better for the 23-year-old after she was presented with a golden late chance to complete her second international hat-trick.

Speaking to the BBC, Russo said: “I enjoy every game in an England shirt and to come on and score was great.

“I’m buzzing to get the three points and move on to the next stage of the tournament.”

England were already through to the quarter-finals after winning their opening two Group A games.

Russo came on in both, scoring the seventh goal in Tuesday night’s record-breaking 8-0 victory over Norway.

Fran Kirby and Beth Mead gave the Lionesses a 2-0 cushion against Northern Ireland, while Kelsie Burrows’ own goal completed the scoring after Russo’s double.

England won without manager Sarina Wiegman, who missed the game after testing positive for Covid.

Their quarter-final tie takes place at Brighton’s Amex Stadium on Wednesday, with Denmark or Spain, who meet in Group B tomorrow, their possible opponents.