Maidstone-born Alessia Russo scores one and involved in another as England win Women’s World Cup Quarter-Final 2-1 over Colombia

Kent’s Alessia Russo inspired England to a Women’s World Cup Quarter-Final win over Colombia on Saturday.

Striker Russo, from Maidstone, netted the third goal after the restart as Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses completed a comeback win.

The European champions, who had to deal with a crowd of 75,784 who were largely backing Colombia at Stadium Australia, trailed after Leicy Santos caught keeper Mary Earps out, but they levelled in first-half stoppage time.

Lauren Hemp poked in the equaliser when Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez inexplicably spilled a routine gather in the six-yard area under pressure from 24-year-old Russo.

Russo, who had only scored once in four World Cup matches prior to their Quarter-Final, worked tirelessly out of possession and earned her opportunity when she pounced on a kind deflection to drill in England's all-important second.

Gravesend-born Man City midfielder Laura Coombs was again an unused substitute for the Lionesses while Russo came off for Chloe Kelly in the 84th minute.

England play co-hosts Australia next in the Semi-Final on Wednesday (11am kick-off).