Maidstone’s Alessia Russo starts and Gravesend-born midfielder Laura Coombs an unused substitute as England win on penalties against Nigeria in Women’s World Cup; Lauren James sent off for the Lionesses

Alessia Russo helped England scrape through to the Women's World Cup Quarter-Final with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria on Monday.

Maidstone’s Russo played 88 minutes for the Lionesses, who had just been reduced to 10 players as Lauren James was sent off for a stamp on Michelle Alozie's back following a review by the video assistant referee after she lost possession.

Russo, 24, was replaced by Chloe Kelly who smashed in the winning kick in their 4-2 shootout success after a goalless draw.

Despite England’s first penalty-taker, Georgia Stanway, firing wide, Nigeria missed their next two and the European champions secured their place in the last eight where they will face Colombia or Jamaica next.

Gravesend-born midfielder Laura Coombs was an unused substitute for Sarina Wiegman’s team against Nigeria in front of a crowd of 49,461 in Brisbane.