Euro 2025: Alessia Russo proves her worth as Lionesses striker sets her sights on Sweden reunion | OneFootball

With Russo in form, England will be a threat in the knockout stage

The Arsenal striker scored her first goal of the tournament as the Lionesses beat Wales 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals.

It was in July three years ago that Russo announced herself on the big stage with an audacious backheel goal against Sweden, the third in a 4-0 rout on England’s way to becoming European champions.

Her goal at that time felt seminal, a sign of the confidence she and England were playing with - an instinctive backheel through the legs of goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl.

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By contrast, the fact that she took a touch to steady herself before sweeping home against Wales last night suggests Russo is a player slightly more aware of the pressure on her shoulders.

But having exercised her goalscoring demons and answered the criticism she has faced in recent weeks, Russo will head into the knockout stages full of confidence.

Sarina Wiegman admitted she was happy for Russo but said it was the least she deserved for the consistency of her performances for England at the Euros.

"Of course, she is a striker and wants to score goals, but playing well is the most important thing. Who scores is not that important, but it is nice that she got one," Wiegman said.

Russo was unlucky to see an early goal ruled out for offside in England's opening defeat to France. But she rallied superbly, laying on three assists as the Lionesses walked past the Netherlands in their second group game.

The 26-year-old followed that up with a goal and an assist in the first half against Wales, in turn proving she has more than enough to lead the line for England as they enter the knockout stages.

England, after the early setback of the France defeat, ultimately coasted through to the quarter-finals, scoring 10 goals and conceding just once in their final two group games.

They will face a far sterner test in Sweden, whose pace in behind will be a real threat.

But with Russo among the goals and more importantly acting as the focal point from which England's young attack can play off, the Lionesses look a force to be reckoned with.