Maidstone’s Alessia Russo replaced at half-time and Gravesend-born Laura Coombs not used as England lose Women’s World Cup Final 1-0 to Spain

There was Women’s World Cup Final disappointment for Kent duo Alessia Russo and Laura Coombs who lost to Spain on Sunday.

Olga Carmona struck in the first period and, despite the Lionesses making a double substitution at half-time which saw Maidstone’s Alessia Russo come off, England succumbed to a 1-0 defeat.

The first big opportunity came in the 15th minute when Lauren Hemp sent Rachel Daly’s lay-off against the Spain crossbar before Salma Paralluelo squandered a gilt-edged chance, soon after at Stadium Australia.

Paralluelo was denied by Lioness keeper Mary Earps following a dangerous left-wing cross when she should have done better.

But the Spaniards found the breakthrough shortly before the half-hour mark as Carmona sent a low left-foot drive into the bottom corner despite the efforts of Arsenal forward Russo to track back.

Spain nearly added a second in first-half stoppage time, too, only for winger Paralluelo to fire inches wide of Earps’ left-hand post.

England manager Sarina Wiegman made a surprise double change which saw Lauren James and Chloe Kelly come on for 24-year-old Russo and Daly as the Lionesses made a tactical switch.

There were chances for both teams in front of the crowd of 75,784 before, just after the hour mark, referee Tori Penso gave Spain a penalty for a Kiera Walsh handball after a lengthy VAR review. But Jennifer Hermoso’s spot-kick was weak and easily saved by Earps.

As the Lionesses looked for a leveller at the other end, Cata Coll did well to tip over substitute James’ looping shot.

Another lengthy delay ensued after Alex Greenwood took a Paralluelo elbow to the head. But Man City’s Greenwood was patched-up in Terry Butcher-esque style and carried on.

Earps again had to be alert at the