Alessia Russo Sparks Lionesses’ Fight-Back Mission

Alessia Russo knows the England Lionesses are out of lives. With Friday’s Euro 2025 qualifier against the Netherlands looming, the Arsenal striker has issued a rallying cry: “We don’t like losing – now we have to create magic.” England’s 2-1 defeat to France in Saint-Étienne left Sarina Wiegman’s side third in their group, three points behind the Dutch and four behind Les Bleues. Anything less than victory at Wembley would leave their title defence on life support.

Alessia Russo sets the tone after French setback

Russo’s words carry weight. At 25 she already boasts a European Championship winners’ medal and a World Cup runners-up silver, yet the forward admitted the dressing room was “hurting” after France capitalised on two rare Mary Earps errors. Training at St George’s Park has therefore been intense. Russo said the focus has been on “sharpening our press, tidying our transitions and remembering who we are: a team that thrives under pressure.”

What went wrong in Saint-Étienne?

England actually started brightly, with Russo forcing a save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin inside ten minutes. But France exposed England’s high line, repeatedly slipping balls between Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood. Russo labelled the response “too passive” and warned the same positional lapses cannot be repeated against a Dutch side boasting Jill Roord’s late-breaking runs and striker Vivianne Miedema’s renewed sharpness.

Wiegman’s tactical tweaks – and where Alessia Russo fits

The manager is considering a 4-2-3-1 instead of her customary 4-3-3. That would see Russo leading the line with Lauren James at No. 10 and Chloe Kelly wide right, aiming to stretch the Netherlands’ back three of Lynn Wilms, Stefanie van der Gragt and Aniek Nouwen. “Alessia Russo’s hold-up play allows runners beyond her,” Wiegman explained. “If she pins their centre-backs, we can isolate their wing-backs.”

Head-to-head: England v Netherlands

• Last five meetings: England 3W, Netherlands 2W
• Goals scored: England 11, Netherlands 8
• Biggest win: England 5-1 (June 2023 friendly)

Dutch coach Andries Jonker expects England to “come at us like lions,” but believes spaces will open behind Lucy Bronze and Niamh Charles. Russo, though, countered that England have learned from last year’s 2-1 defeat in Utrecht: “We switched off on set pieces. This time every runner gets tracked.”

Creating magic at Wembley – why the venue matters

The Lionesses have not lost at Wembley since 2019, and Russo has scored there twice. “Walking out under the arch gives us another gear,” she said. Ticket sales have already passed 65,000, and FA officials are hopeful of topping the 77,390 that watched England lift Euro 2022. Russo believes a partisan crowd can unsettle the Dutch, who have conceded first in three of their last four away qualifiers.

Key battles to watch

Alessia Russo vs Stefanie van der Gragt

Van der Gragt is physical and aerially dominant, but Russo’s movement between the Dutch centre-backs could drag her out of position.

Keira Walsh vs Danielle van de Donk

If Walsh dictates tempo, England’s forwards—including Russo—receive cleaner service. Van de Donk, meanwhile, is the heartbeat of Dutch midfield pressing.

Mary Earps vs past demons

After a rare off-night in France, Earps needs a statement performance. Russo said the squad has “total faith” in the FIFA Best goalkeeper.

What victory would mean for England Lionesses

A win would lift England to second place and restore control of their Euro 2025 destiny ahead of September’s double-header with Sweden. Russo also pointed to ranking points and psychological momentum: “Beat the Netherlands and everyone remembers why we’re the European champions.” Lose, and England could face the lottery of play-offs.

Injury news and expected XI

Leah Williamson’s knee niggle rules her out, while Lauren Hemp (ankle) faces a late fitness test. Russo trained fully on Wednesday and is certain to start. Predicted line-up: Earps; Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Charles; Walsh, Stanway; Kelly, James, Hemp; Russo.

Alessia Russo’s evolution – from super-sub to talisman

During Euro 2022, Alessia Russo became a cult hero with audacious goals off the bench, none more iconic than her back-heel against Sweden. Since then she has matured into a 90-minute striker. At Arsenal this season she recorded 17 goals and seven assists, her most prolific return. Wiegman praised her “relentless pressing and improved link-play,” noting that Russo now starts moves as often as she finishes them.

Statistics underline Russo’s impact

• 0.52 goals per 90 in WSL 2023/24
• 1.7 key passes per 90, up from 0.9 last season
• 56% duel success rate, illustrating newfound physicality

Against France she was one of few bright sparks, completing four take-ons and winning more aerial duels than any teammate. Replicating that intensity is vital against the Netherlands’ imposing back line.

The opposition view – Dutch confidence high

Vivianne Miedema told NOS that her side “smell blood” after England’s stumble. Yet even she singled out Russo as a threat: “If Alessia Russo gets space in the box, she scores.” Jonker, for his part, stressed discipline over fear: “We won’t man-mark Russo, but we must cut her supply.”

Historical parallels fuel England belief

The Lionesses were in a similar must-win scenario during 2023 World Cup qualifying, needing victory away to Austria. Russo scored the opener en route to a 2-0 win. “That night taught us resilience,” she recalled. “We will draw on it again.”

Crucial match details

Date: Friday, 31 May 2024
Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Broadcast: ITV1, ITVX, talkSPORT

Opinion: Why Russo’s conviction could tilt the tie

Pressure can paralyse or propel. Alessia Russo has chosen the latter, framing adversity as opportunity. Her insistence that England “create magic” is more than rhetoric; it encapsulates the swagger that defined their Euro 2022 triumph. If she delivers on Friday, Wembley will roar, the table will tilt, and the Lionesses’ title defence will be back on track. Doubt them at your peril.