Alessia Russo (second from right) opened the scoring in the win against China [Catherine Etoe]

NEW Arsenal signing Alessia Russo got England off to a flying start against China on Tuesday in a comprehensive 6-1 victory that saw the Lionesses finally roar on the world stage.

“Special night in Adelaide!” the 24-year-old striker posted on social media after leading the charge against the Asian champions. “Top of the group! Buzzing to have scored my first World Cup goal!”

Russo and England’s focus now turns to Monday and a round-of-16 battle with Nigeria, whose front line includes former Arsenal striker and 2016 FA Cup winner Asisat Oshoala. Ever-present at every Women’s World Cup since the first in 1991, the proud Super Falcons and their star striker will be a test for the European champions.

But England head coach Sarina Wiegman can take heart from the way her players bounced back after losing midfield maestro Keira Walsh to injury in Friday’s 1-0 group stage win over Denmark. Wiegman rejigged her formation to face China, but says her players were “excited” to be playing 3-5-2 and “all believed in it”.

“We were convinced that it would work,” she added. It did, and it was forward Russo who kick-started the deluge with a coolly taken opener four minutes in. Two-goal Lauren James stole the headlines – the Chelsea player’s performance reminiscent of Arsenal legend Kelly Smith in her England pomp.

But speaking to the press afterwards, Wiegman praised all her players for their “high level”. “The team showed they were really adaptable,” she added. “We are growing into this tournament.”

Fans can see England in action live on BBC1 this Monday at 8.30am.

Meanwhile, Spurs and Jamaica goalkeeper Becky Spencer – who won the Uefa Cup with Arsenal 16 years ago – and midfielder Drew Spence will continue their World Cup adventure, too.

Yesterday (Wednesday), the Reggae Girlz spectacularly took a point against Brazil to finish second in the group, knocking legend Marta and her teammates out of the competition.

Arsenal’s Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord earned praise for their combination play as co-hosts Australia upped their game to reach the round of 16.

“Caitlin and Steph have a unique relationship and understanding when they play together,” said head coach Tony Gustavsson after the Matildas’ 4-0 win over Canada.

Both players contributed assists against the Olympic champions, with captain Catley also scoring from the spot in her hometown of Melbourne.

“If there’s one person that always stays composed it’s Steph,” added Gustavsson. “She is so mature and humble, with both feet on the ground. But she’s also a winner – she has fighting spirit and is mentally very strong.”

Australia now face Gunner Kathrine Kuhl’s Denmark in Sydney on Monday – that game is on ITV at 11.30am.

Among the other Arsenal stars to progress into the knockout stage are Stina Blackstenius, Lina Hurtig and Amanda Ilestedt; Frida Maanum; Victoria Pelova; Lia Walti and Noelle Maritz with Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Switzerland respectively.