Smith scorcher completes England comeback

 KELLY Smith's stunning long-range strike earned England an invaluable Euro 2009 victory as Hope Powell's side came from behind to overcome Russia.

Smith rocketed home from all of 45 yards to complete a fine comeback and seal a 3-2 victory for England, who found themselves two goals behind after just 22 minutes.

Ksenia Tsybutovich headed Russia ahead and when Oleysa Kurochkina made it 2-0 England were in desperate trouble, having lost their opening group match to Italy.

But Karen Carney and Eniola Aluko got England on level terms before Smith's stunning 45-yard volley sealed a remarkable comeback before half-time.

The second half remained goalless but Olga Petrova shot inches wide with the final kick of the game as England held on for a deserved win.

Russia, who lost 3-0 to Sweden in their first match of the tournament, came out of the blocks stronger and England stopper Rachel Brown was at full stretch to deny Valentina Savchenkova from long range.

But from the resulting corner Tsybutovich rose highest to nod Russia in front and their lead was doubled when Kurochkina prodded home from close range.

Within a minute, Carney halved the deficit and England were level when she turned provider to tee up Aluko, who squeezed her shot home from a tight angle.

And the comeback was complete when Smith struck an audacious volley, returning a Russian goal-kick to hand England the lead.

Petrova ought to have equalised at the death but Powell's side clung on for the points, ensuring England move second in the table.