Maidstone-born Alessia Russo scores from the spot as England beat Sweden on penalties to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros

Alessia Russo scored in a dramatic penalty shoot-out as holders England fought back to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros.

Maidstone-born Russo and her fellow Lionesses appeared to be heading out of the competition after Sweden opened up an early 2-0 lead last night.

But substitute Chloe Kelly set up late goals for Lucy Bronze and Michelle Agyemang - 103 seconds apart - to take the quarter-final tie in Switzerland to extra time.

With no further goals the tie went to a shoot-out which saw Russo, who didn’t stop running all night, convert England’s first penalty.

That was one of only five successful spot-kicks out of a total of 14 from the two sides as the tension ramped up, with the other nine saved or missed.

Kelly and Lucy Bronze, who finished the game with a heavily-strapped thigh, also scored, and England advanced 3-2 in sudden death after Smilla Holmberg fired over.

The Lionesses face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday.