Alessia Russo was again at the heart of things as England secured a Women’s World Cup Semi-Final success against co-hosts Australia on Wednesday.

Maidstone-born Russo, 24, scored their game-clinching third after she had been played through by Lauren Hemp.

She had set up Ella Toone, who blasted Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses into a 1-0 half-time advantage in Sydney.

But a Sam Kerr wonder strike levelled the scores, only for Hemp to restore England’s lead with 20 minutes to play.

Man City’s Hemp then turned provider for Russo who rounded off their 3-1 win in the 86th minute.

Midfielder Laura Coombs, born in Gravesend, was an unused substitute.

Arsenal striker Russo also netted one and was involved in another during the Lionesses’ comeback 2-1 Quarter-Final weekend victory against Colombia.

On social media, she wrote: “Off to The World Cup Final.”

England will play Spain in the Final this Sunday (kick-off 11am UK time).

It’s the first time the European champions have made the World Cup Final.