Alessia Russo made her World Cup bow as England enjoyed a winning start to the tournament.

Russo, from Maidstone, was picked ahead of WSL top scorer Rachel Daly for this morning’s Group D opener against minnows Haiti in Brisbane.

Fellow Kent girl Laura Coombs, the Manchester City midfielder born in Gravesend, was an unused substitute.

The Lionesses, among the favourites to lift the trophy after their European Championship success last summer, won 1-0 thanks to Georgia Stanway’s retaken penalty in the 29th minute.

Russo, 24, making her first appearance in a World Cup Finals, led the line effectively in a tricky match before making way for Daly in the last 15 minutes.

Having put a first-half header wide, she forced three saves from Haiti keeper Kerly Theus in a matter of minutes during the second period.

She was denied at the near post after picking up a loose ball, worked Theus again after a neat first touch took her away from her marker, then saw a looping header tipped over.

Haiti, competing at their first World Cup, won plenty of admirers for their approach.

They were a big threat on the break and may well have taken something from the game but for two outstanding Mary Earps saves.

England face Denmark in their second match on Friday.