Alessia Russo and the art of the Super Sub
England and Manchester United forward Alessia Russo has been a sensation this tournament, giving top goal-scorer Ellen White some competition, and even given Sarina Wiegman a possible headache when it comes to team selection.
England head into a semi-final against the world’s number 2 team, Sweden, and though it’s more than likely that White will start, there is no doubt Russo will have a part to play. In some ways, Wiegman’s stubbornness with team selection is almost a blessing, with Russo being the Lionesses second-highest goal-scorer in the Euros, having not started a game.
Russo is relatively new to the England setup, having made her debut in 2020, aged just 21, in fact she is still the youngest member of the squad today. Her impact has been well known despite her little time in the group, having netted seven times in 11 appearances.
It is this impact, often forged between her and United teammate Ella Toone, that has helped propel England into this semi-final.
23-year-old Russo began her career at Charlton Athletic, before moving onto Chelsea. After a spell at Brighton, the striker would take her chances in the US, joining the North Carolina Tar Heels, scoring 28 goals in 57 appearances.
In 2020, she returned to England with Manchester United, and has hit the ground running, domestically and on the International stage.
Both Russo and Toone have been a force since coming together, and it could not have come at a better time for England. The Lionesses have depth like never before, but it’s the two attacking players that have the most impact.
Russo in particular has mastered it, bringing the team together, dropping back to bring others into play, but also holding the ball up in forward positions. It goes without saying, she’s also pretty good at finishing too.
At one point or another, the forward will no doubt be the next to lead England’s front line for future tournaments, but for now, she understands her role, and the Lionesses could not be more grateful for their super sub.
