The ‘best mates’ firing England to World Cup glory: Alessia Russo and Ella Toone have been friends since school and call themselves the Lionesses’ party animals… and now they’re the final goal hopes

Best friends Alessia Russo and Ella Toone each got on the scoresheet as England beat co-hosts Australia 3-1 to reach their first Women’s World Cup final.

Toone, 23, opened the scoring for the Lionesses in the 36th minute with a thumping drive into the far corner, before Australia equalized in the second half thanks to a special effort from their captain Sam Kerr.

Sarina Wiegman’s team only had to wait eight minutes to take the lead again when Lauren Hemp proved too strong for the Australian defense. And with just four minutes left of the 90, Russo, 24, capped off a fine performance with a goal that calmed England’s nerves and set off a clash with European rivals Spain.

Toone, who has started the last two games following the suspension of youngster Lauren James, and Russo are on the verge of completing a remarkable double with the Lionesses.

Not just content with winning the European Championship with your best friend, the pair are determined to propel England to victory in Sunday’s World Cup final as well.

Despite growing up in different parts of the country – Toone in Greater Manchester and Russo in Kent, the attacking duo are good friends off the pitch and have been buddies since they were 12.

Ahead of the opening of the World Cup in England last month, the former Manchester United teammates graced the cover of fashion magazine Elle and said, among other things, that it was ‘special’ to win a tournament at Wembley with your mate.

“(We) both had a dream to play for England one day,” Russo told the outlet. “So to do it and (win), it was special. I don’t think many best friends can say they did.’

“It was hard to get used to,” Toone added of her newfound fame.

In their signature feature film, both women were eager to highlight the sexism that persists in the game despite all the progress made. “You get little things here and there,” Toone revealed.

“But it doesn’t really bother us. We grew up in an era where women’s football, especially when we were young, wasn’t really a thing. So I feel like it made us who we are today and made us a little bit tougher.

“There is definitely a stereotype around. But getting your nails and eyelashes done doesn’t mean you can’t play football.’

The pair played a vital role in last year’s success – Russo scored four times from the bench and Toone scored the winner against Sweden in the semi-final. She would then open the scoring in the final as the Lionesses beat Germany 2-1 after extra time last summer.

In their interview with the outlet, the pair recalled their favorite memory of their Euros celebrations, with the team reportedly partying until 4am. “We’re social girls,” Russo said. “It’s rare (we can go out to party), but when we do, we have a good time.”

Russo and Toone were teammates at Manchester United until early July, when the 24-year-old striker made a highly anticipated move to WSL rivals Arsenal. Toone – who remains in town with the Red Devils alongside her non-league footballer boyfriend Joe Bunney – was typically on hand to wish her boyfriend the very best.

“Away from football,” she posted on TikTok to her then 339,000 followers. “I wanted to wish my best friend Alessia the best of luck moving clubs.”

The dynamic duo, whose goals were crucial in an England football side reaching the final of a World Cup for the first time since 1966, may not play for the same team at national level next season.

But with Toone giving Wiegman a real selection headache ahead of the final – when James will be available again – and with Russo displaying the skill and pose needed to fill Ellen White’s huge shoes, England’s prospects look a much rosier.

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