England's World Cup mascot Alysia Singh was 'lucky charm'

A "football mad" eight-year-old who led the England team on to the pitch at the World Cup says she "must be the lucky charm of the match!".

Alysia Singh, from Huddersfield, said she was "really excited" to carry the match ball into Nizhny Novgorod Stadium before Sunday's 6-1 win over Panama.

She stood between match officials during the national anthems, and shook the hands of her England heroes.

Alysia was the only UK winner after her dad entered her in the competition.

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Alysia, a Huddersfield Terriers fan, won the opportunity after her father Ravi entered her into a competition organised by tournament sponsors Kia.

She said she was "really excited" to walk down the line and shake the players' hands.

In total 64 children from across the world will take on the role of ball carrier in World Cup games in Russia.

Mr Singh, 48, said watching his daughter walk on to the pitch in front of the 45,000-seater arena "brought a tear to his eyes".

"The walk stopped my heart for a few beats," he said.

"It's the proudest moment of my life. It brought a tear to my eyes."

He said his daughter was "quite calm" before the game, and "really looking forward to just seeing the team".

Alysia said: "Everybody keeps saying we must be the lucky charm of the match!"

Alysia plays football three times a week, including in the Tomorrow's Terriers scheme run by Huddersfield Town Foundation.

She said when she is older she wants play for the England girls' team and Huddersfield Town Girls.