As the Lionesses suffer a heartbreaking defeat, here is how Kent watched the women’s World Cup final.

England star Alessia Russo led the line for 45 minutes as the Maidstone striker hoped to help fend off competition from Spanish opposition, but was replaced at half-time.

People around the county were out in support as the Lionesses, including Gravesend-born Laura Coombs, lost 1-0 to Spain.

Scores of fans have gathered at Bearsted Football Club in Honey Lane, Maidstone, which is where Russo started her career with the boy’s team before moving on to Charlton Athletic, Manchester United and now Arsenal.

Bearsted FC chairman Jamie Houston said: "Russo coming from here has brought lots of attention to the club but also lots of belief for the girls,

"Girls don't just say to me they want to be footballers but that they want to be lionesses. They can see how a little girls just like them is now playing on the biggest stage of them all.

Hundreds are expected to visit Dreamland in Margate where the match is being shown, and there has been queues spotted outside Folkestone Harbour Arm at around 9.30am as people try to get in.

12-year-old Archie is in Bearsted watching the game. Speaking about his thoughts on the first 45 minutes, he said: “I think it’s been a good game. I think England are doing alright and they’ll come back into it.”

One church in West Malling even moved their Sunday service to an earlier date so churchgoers could head off early and use their prayers on the Lionesses.

Reverend David Green, of St Mary’s Church in Offham, will be conducting an earlier than usual service so he and others can watch on.

Rev. Green added: “Those coming to church in West Malling this Sunday, please note we'll be starting a little earlier than previously published.”

He has been a vocal supporter of the Lionesses and described Maidstone’s Alessia Russo as a “queen” after she scored England’s third as they knocked out Australia at the weekend.

The vicar has also spoken out about some Christians getting “sniffy” about those trying to watch the football and attend church.

He said: “Newsflash: It is entirely possible to attend worship this Sunday, contribute to your local Christian community, enjoy the fellowship AND then go watch the footie. (Or attend worship in the evening).

“Don’t understand why some Christians have to get all sniffy about it.”

Rev. Green said the situation “has a slight whiff of misogyny to it”, adding: “Given the entire nation would shut down if England's men were in a World Cup Final.”

If you have any pictures or videos from where you’re watching, email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk.