Sue Smith
Former England forward on BBC Two

That's a handball, that's a penalty for me. I know it was close range but that touched her hand.

A delightful bit of skill from Barcelona's Toni Duggan as she flicks the ball around Kseniya Kovalenko and leaves her choking on dust.

And Fran Kirby wants a spot-kick!

It is a decent shout. But the referee decides that it was ball to the hand of Russian captain Anna Kozhnikova, rather than vice versa.

Fran Kirby's deft feet draw in Russia's Elena Morozova and sucker the midfielder into giving away a free-kick as she knocks the ball away and into space.

Jodie Taylor leaps high in the penalty box, but can't get anything on a teasing cross from the right.

Millie Bright and Steph Houghton knock the ball about comfortably at the back, leaving the Russian press chasing shadows.

The first chink of light for the hosts to attack, but Fran Kirby's attempted throughball to Jodie Taylor is cut out by a stretching leg.

Nice work for Jodie Taylor as he offers herself as a target, brings the ball down and brings her team-mates into play.

You can see what she brings to this team.

And we are up and away.

Jordan Nobbs gets us up and running with Steph Houghton hoofing long towards a cavalry charge of white shirts.

Time for the national ditties.

First up are the visitors with midfield anchor Elena Morozova particularly loud.

Now England, backed by a healthy Prenton Park crowd.

Kick-off incoming...

England women's record goalscorer Kelly Smith speaking on BBC Two: "For me England's best performance of the Euros was against France in the quarter-finals when they competed really well and dogged it out.

"When they came up against the Netherlands in the quarter-final they struggled to find a Plan B when the long ball in behind failed to undo them.

"They need to find that next level."

Those are the words of Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell, who has been helping BBC Get Inspired in the search for the Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero for 2017.

Here's more from Darren...

The award recognises the amazing work that volunteers do in grassroots sport and fitness around the UK.

Last year, Marcellus Baz from Nottingham scooped the award for his work as a community boxing coach. Could it be someone from football this year?

If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their voluntary work in sport and fitness you can nominate them here.

Earlier today Arsenal captain and ex-England defender Alex Scott took to Match of the Day's Facebook page to tackle an England quiz with BBC Sport's Jonathan Pearce and ex-goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis.

Click below to discover who emerges victorious.

BBC app users may need to select the link.

Alex Scott
Arsenal Ladies & former England international on BBC Two

I can honestly say that I loved every moment of my England career. But that is not to discredit those who have brought those allegations. We have to wait for any new investigation and see the outcome.

I actually delayed my retirement because I knew that would be the first question as soon as I announced it.

Image source, Getty Images

We have two matches for your delectation tonight.

As well as England v Russia from Prenton Park, Northern Ireland are taking on neighbours Republic of Ireland at Mourneview Park, Lurgan.

The hosts lost their first game while this is the Republic's first sally into the World Cup fray.

The team sheets are in.

Siobhan Chamberlain replaces Karen Bardsley in goal, while Manchester City attacker Nikita Parris gets the gig on the left.

Barcelona's Toni Duggan is the spearhead of the attack with Lyon's Lucy Bronze also included.

England: Chamberlain, Bronze, Stokes, Nobbs, Houghton, Bright, Parris, Moore, Taylor, Kirby, Duggan

Image source, Getty Images

This is England's first match since allegations of racism resurfaced against Mark Sampson.

The coach, who denies any wrongdoing and has been cleared by two reviews into the case, has said that the case against him - apparently strengthened by Drew Spence giving written evidence in support of team-mate Eniola Aluko's complaint - is taking it's toll.

“I think if anyone put themselves in my position they would feel in a very difficult position, emotionally,” he said.

"From my experience of the investigation it was very thorough and that’s all I can say. That process was the process and any questions on it are for the FA. I’m an employee of the organisation.”

This is how England's opposition for a place at France 2019 lines up.

Wales are making the early running after Jessica Fishlock scored the only goal in their trip to Kazakhstan yesterday.

The group winners get an automatic pass to the finals.

The four runners-up with the best record against the sides first, third and fourth in their seven respective groups go into the play-offs for the remaining berths.

Coverage is already underway on BBC Two, but there is no need to touch that virtual dial.

Tune into the wise words of Alex Scott, Rachel Brown-Finnis and Kelly Smith and presenter Gabby Logan via this page.

Image source, Getty Images

Tonight, at Prenton Park, Russia are the visitors as England women make their first step on the long road towards the World Cup final in Lyon on 9 July 2019.

Russia are ranked 25th in the world, 22 places behind England.

They are, however, seeded second in the group and so it is a pretty tough opening fixture of Mark Sampson's side.

"The Euros were a great learning experience for us," said Sampson as he reflected on reaching the last four back in August.

"The team will take a lot of belief from the results and learn from what was a fantastic experience."