Maidstone-born Manchester United striker Alessia Russo hopes England Lionesses' Euro win will inspire girls to play football

Footballer Alessia Russo says she hopes England's Euros triumph has helped to inspire the next generation.

The Kent woman, who made five appearances from the bench and bagged four goals during the home tournament, helped the women's team beat Germany 2-1 in the final on Sunday in front of a record-breaking Wembley crowd.

Miss Russo’s success has now paved the way for other women and girls to lace their boots up and help the women's game evolve even further.

The 23-year-old has been dubbed as football's answer to Emma Raducanu - the Orpington tennis player last year having won the US Open - and Miss Russo says she would relish being able to get the same sort of commercial opportunities as Miss Raducanu has enjoyed since her success which saw her crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year in December.

“Yeah of course. I think it’s a huge part,” the Manchester United forward told Sky.

“As a female athlete, you are a role model.

“You have to inspire the young girls - or else you are not doing your job. That’s how I see myself off the pitch.

“I just want to inspire girls to go out there and play, and get involved in football - or whatever sport it may be.

“I just let my football on the pitch do the talking and then, off the pitch, just try and encourage and inspire the next generation.”

But Miss Russo says playing football will always be her main priority.

She said: “For me, football is my priority.

“None of this would happen without it, that’s all I can focus on - playing well on the pitch and enjoying every second of training and getting better as a player.

“Then, the rest, everyone else can deal with. It’s not for me.

“I just deal with the football.”

Maidstone-born Miss Russo praised her family - including brothers,