A young footballer from Maidstone was left 'awestruck' and lost for words when England forward Alessia Russo threw her shirt to the youngster at the end of last night's semi-final match.

Nancy Richardson, who plays for Bearsted Rangers Under-10s, was at the game in Sheffield with her mum Michelle and younger brother Henry having followed the women's team through the Euros.

Maidstone-born Russo also played for Bearsted when she was younger and has inspired Nancy's passion for football.

At the end of the game, on a high from the 4-0 win against Sweden, the 10-year-old moved closer to the pitch and held up a handmade sign saying 'Russo, I play at Bearsted, please can I have your shirt?'

After waving it around and cheering her name, Nancy caught Russo's attention.

Mum Michelle Richardson, 39, explains: "Nancy was calling her name out, my son was joining in.

"My daughter waved at her and Alessia did a thumbs up wave back.

"Then she looked again, came running over and as she ran over, she took off her shirt, put a bib on and threw the shirt over the barrier to my daughter.

"She was absolutely buzzing. She stood there smiling and didn't know what to do.

"She's not normally stuck for words but she went mute in complete shock."

As the family from Penenden Heath were leaving the stadium, they also bumped into Russo's dad and brother and stopped to chat and say thank you.

A family member also handed Nancy their friends and family lanyard pass as another keepsake from the night Russo scored the famous backheel goal that was the talk of the match.

Mrs Richardson added: "She looks up to Alessia as she’s from Maidstone. She played for Bearsted in the boys team, and Nancy plays in Bearsted in the boys team.

"Alessia trained at Soccer Elite, and Nancy trains at Soccer Elite so she looks at her thinking 'dreams can come true for normal people'.

"She is awestruck.

"For Alessia to take the time to boost children like Nancy and make her feel like she can do anything, she deserves massive recognition."

Nancy, who goes to Sandling Primary School, has played for Bearsted Rangers since May.

The right-back also found out last week she has been selected for the Maidstone District's boy's team as is looking forward to starting in September

Speaking after last night's win, Russo said she 'reacted instinctively' to score the sensational backheel goal.

The Lionesses were already 2-0 ahead at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane when Russo was introduced after the restart in front of a crowd of 28,624.

After Russo had seen an effort from close range saved by Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, the Manchester United forward chased down the ball and produced a backheel which nutmegged the keeper for England’s third.

It was a goal which drew plenty of attention on social media and even managed to earn praise from popular former England striker Ian Wright.

The Richardson family are now hoping to secure tickets to see England play again at Sunday's final at Wembley.