Kent’s sporting community have wished England’s Lionesses luck today ahead of their Euros final.

Sarina Wiegman’s side will face Germany at Wembley, with the big game starting at 5pm.

Maidstone-born forward Alessia Russo shocked the world on Tuesday during England Women’s Euros 4-0 semi-final win over Sweden, as she scored an incredible backheel goal.

Rebecca Moore, women's and girls development officer at Kent FA, believes the tournament has helped create role models and inspire the next generation.

“It’s fantastic,” she said. “I think the power this is having is great, especially with creating relatable role models.

"We have Alessia Russo, who everyone's buzzing about, but most regions will have someone representing them and helping to inspire so many people.”

Like so many, Rebecca was stunned by Russo’s incredible goal.

After she had seen an effort from close range saved by Sweden shot-stopper Hedvig Lindahl, Manchester United forward Russo chased down the ball and produced a backheel which nutmegged the Sweden keeper.

She said: “It’s fantastic. You look [at that as] a potential contender for goal of the season - let alone goal of the tournament!

“That’s going to be every training session now, you are going to have at least three trying to do that.”

Another to react to Russo’s goal was Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch, the former sports minister.

On Twitter, she suggested: "It should come with an advisory warning....”

Rebecca, who will be at Wembley for the game, also says the success of the tournament has helped to attract youngsters to the Kent FA’s 'Weetabix Wildcats' programme.

It offers girls aged from five to 11 - regardless of ability, disability, impairment or health condition - the opportunity to try football for the first time.

Sessions take place weekly, either on evenings or at weekends, and are focused on helping girls make friends, have fun and be active through football.

Rebecca said: “The amount of applications we have received has shown a massive increase compared to normal years.”

Russo may now play for Manchester United but - having started out at Bearsted Football Club - Rebecca thinks her footballing journey is one many young people can relate to - as well as be inspired by.

Rebecca said: “100 per cent, I think her journey and her pathway is something so many young people can relate to.

“There are going to be people considering whether this would be possible [for them] who can see someone like Alessia and think they can now follow in her footsteps.”

England's Women haven’t reached the Euros final since 2009 when they lost to Germany in Finland.

Gillingham manager Neil Harris has offered his backing, as well, saying: “What a wonderful achievement.

“The ladies have done the nation proud and I wish them luck as they look to write their names in the history books.”

Russo was born in the County Town and raised in the area and long-serving Maidstone United chief executive Bill Williams says he has always been a supporter of women’s football.

“I have always been an advocate of women’s football,” he said.

Mr Williams added: “It’s just about standards, [and] they are the best at their standard.

“It’s entertaining and something to get the ladies of the world shouting about - as well as the men.

“From our club point-of-view, we have always tried to get women playing for Maidstone United Football Club, going back to the Maidstone Tigresses in the 1990s.

“So it’s wonderful to see an England side doing so well.”

Folkestone Invicta boss Neil Cugley first took charge in 1997 and offered his own words of encouragement to the Lionesses.

“It’s good for the women’s game and good for the country to see them doing so well,” said the legendary manager who has taken charge of well over 1,000 games for the club.

“Fingers crossed, they can get over the line.

“Hopefully the team’s success can help women’s football in general as well.”

Russo will hope to add to her tally of four goals against Germany despite not yet having started a match in the tournament.

She had also scored twice against Northern Ireland and once against Norway.