England beat Spain in UEFA Women’s Euros final as Maidstone-born Alessia Russo scores for Lionesses

Fans across the county are celebrating after England beat Spain to retain their European Championship title.

The Lionesses went 1-0 down in the first half, but a goal by Maidstone-born Alessia Russo after the break brought them level.

The teams couldn’t be seperated and the match went to penalties after a tense period of extra time.

Reporting from The Pippin in Maidstone, Dee Lukasik says England fans there are “celebrating like crazy”.

Kristina Fuller said how much she loves women’s football and feels amazing, while James Smith said it was fantastic, shouting: “Come on girls!”

Mallory Head from Maidstone said it was great for the game and great for girls.

Eccles resident Bailey Denton said that he “was saying the whole evening that the women are better than men and they just proved that tonight”.

Jasmine Kibiru, who lives in Maidstone, said the girls were “absolutely amazing. Absolute stars. What can I say? We are better then men”!

Matt Luca said: “Queens of Europe again! Absolutely love them.”

Laura Potter said: “Feels great, unbelievable. I am ecstatic to watch them grow, I grew up playing and this is next generation! I’m so proud!”

Longfield resident Mark Fuller said before leaving the pub: “Football’s coming home!”

At the Harbour Arm in Folkestone, fans were also left jubilant by England’s win, with hundreds cheering the team on.

The match came five days after the team won in dramatic fashion following two late goals from Michelle Agyemang Chloe Kelly in the semi-final against Italy.

Leading the line for England today was Russo.

The 26-year-old Arsenal striker went to East Farleigh Primary and St Simon Stock Secondary and played with Bearsted FC in the early stages of her career.

Russo also played youth football for