'We've been dreaming of this since we were little girls...we'll be ready!'

Alessia Russo has dreamed of playing in a World Cup final since she was a little girl. On Sunday, that dream is set to become a reality.

Since starting out at West Farleigh and then running out for the boys’ and girls’ teams at Bearsted FC in Maidstone every Saturday and Sunday, Russo has hoped she will one day appear in a World Cup final.

Spells at Charlton Athletic, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, North Carolina Tar Heels and Manchester United have all helped the now Arsenal striker reach the world stage.

Last summer she played a crucial role as England Women won a first major tournament at the UEFA Women’s EURO.

And on Wednesday, Russo scored the third goal as the Lionesses beat Australia 3-1 to book their place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final against Spain on Sunday.

A beaming Russo said: "I’m over the moon. [The reason I’m smiling is because] I'm actually laughing at all our friends and family dancing in the crowd.

“It's incredible! A World Cup final. We've been saying we've been dreaming of the semis and things like that but now this is all about - a World Cup final, with this group. Buzzing!”

When asked if England could now go all the way, Russo replied: "Yeah why not. Obviously, Spain is going to be even tougher. Every game we've come into this tournament has been of the highest level, so we have to be ready.

“But we've been dreaming of this since we were little girls so we're excited, we'll get recovered and be ready."

Russo’s best friend Ella Toone had scored an impressive opening goal before Australia’s Sam Kerr equalised with a long-range stunner.

Lauren Hemp’s endeavour then led to the Lionesses regaining the lead with less than 20 minutes remaining and after Kerr missed a glorious chance to equalise once more, Russo gave her side a two-goal cushion and helped round off another historic night for English football.

She said: "When they scored, they got momentum, the place erupted. Hempo's goal completely flipped the momentum which was really crucial. To get 3-1, you can settle a bit and see the game out.”