Alessia Russo: Ready to Face Spain and Move Forward
Alessia Russo is optimistic and full of confidence as she prepares to lead England in their Nations League clash against Spain at Wembley on Wednesday night. This game, set to kick off at 8:00 pm, marks a significant return to the pitch for the Lionesses, who last faced Spain in the heart-wrenching final of the 2023 World Cup, where they fell just short of glory. Russo, who has been a key player in recent matches, including scoring in the 1-1 draw with Portugal, is determined to help England register their first win in this year’s Nations League in their second League A group C game. The sense of anticipation is palpable, with a 55,000-strong crowd expected to fill the national stadium.
A New Generation of Lionesses
England’s squad has undergone substantial changes since their Euro 2022 victory. The team that triumphed over Spain in the quarter-finals of that tournament is now almost entirely different. Five players, including joint-Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and the match-winning hero Georgia Stanway, are currently sidelined with injuries. Additionally, veteran players Jill Scott, Ellen White, and Rachel Daly have chosen to retire from international football. Despite these absences, Russo sees the emergence of new talent as a positive development. Grace Clinton, a young Manchester United midfielder with six caps, is a prime example of the new generation stepping up. Russo emphasized the importance of focusing on the future rather than seeking revenge for the World Cup final, stating, "We have lots of new faces and quality in the squad now. Revenge reflects on the past a little bit. It hurt and it wasn’t nice to lose out, but we want to be moving forward."
Embracing the Challenge
The match against Spain will be England’s sternest competitive test since the 2023 World Cup final, and Russo is eager to take on this challenge. She highlighted the quality and energy within the current squad, adding, "We have a new team now, lots of different new faces, lots of energy around the place which is nice. We are in a good place and enjoying our football." The draw with Portugal last Friday, despite being a lackluster performance, has not dampened the spirits of the team. Instead, they see it as an opportunity to improve and showcase their potential against one of the world’s best sides.
Head Coach’s Perspective
Head coach Sarina Wiegman echoed Russo’s sentiments, emphasizing that the team’s focus is on performing to the best of their abilities rather than silencing critics. Wiegman noted, "We’re not playing football to beat the critics. We’re playing football to win games and we can just try to be at our best. We want to get more consistency to keep it going longer. Then we move forward. Sometimes things go really well, sometimes things don’t go as well. We try to stay neutral." This balanced approach underscores the team’s determination to build on their recent performances and achieve greater consistency in their games.
A Friendly Rivalry
Russo is particularly excited about the prospect of facing her Arsenal teammates, Mariona Caldentey and Laia Codina, who were also part of the last World Cup final. She spoke highly of their contributions to Arsenal, saying, "Laia and Mariona are both very funny and great additions (for Arsenal). I really enjoy speaking to them and talking about (our) different experiences." On the pitch, Russo acknowledged the high level of talent within the Spanish squad, adding, "As opponents, they are top players. The whole Spanish squad is full of talent. This is a test against some of the best players in the world, but it’s also a chance for us to put on some of our best football."
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As England looks to the future, Russo and her teammates are embracing the opportunity to prove themselves on a grand stage. The match at Wembley is not only a chance to show Spain why they should be feared but also a moment to celebrate the progress and potential of the new generation of Lionesses. Russo’s enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious, and they serve as a reminder that the team is united in their goal to move forward and continue to excel. With a mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, England is ready to face the challenge and make their mark in the Nations League.
