Alessia Russo, one of the standout performers for the Lionesses during their historic Euro 2022 victory, has expressed her hunger for more success as England prepares to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer. The 26-year-old striker played a pivotal role in England’s triumph on home soil three years ago, scoring four goals during the tournament, including a stunning back-heeled effort against Sweden in the semi-finals. This goal was later named the best of the tournament by UEFA’s technical observer panel. England’s 2-1 victory over Germany in extra time marked the nation’s first major trophy since the men’s team won the World Cup in 1966. Russo, who now plays for Arsenal, has made it clear that the team is eager to make history again. “The Euros is huge,” she said. “We know how it felt to win it, and we want to go there and defend our title. We have so many quality players and a quality backroom staff as well. It will be massive, and we’re really looking forward to it.”
As the Lionesses gear up for the upcoming European championships, Russo and her teammates are also focused on the domestic front. The Women’s Super League (WSL) is in full swing, and Arsenal is working hard to close the gap with league leaders Chelsea. Russo acknowledged the “big gap” between the two clubs but emphasized that every game matters as Arsenal pushes to win trophies. “We’re still in the Champions League, we’re still in the FA Cup, and we’re still pushing for the league,” she said. The striker, who joined Arsenal after three seasons at Manchester United, made it clear that her ambition is to bring silverware to the club. With Arsenal sitting third in the league table, a win in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur could provide a much-needed boost. Russo, who has embraced the rivalry, said, “As soon as you sign for Arsenal, you understand the history of the north London derby. It’s a game that you must win, and it carries a lot of history.”
Russo’s passion for the game is matched by her commitment to standing up for what’s right. Recently, the WSL faced a stark reminder of the challenges players still face after Manchester City’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw and Chelsea’s Millie Bright were subjected to racist and misogynistic abuse. Shaw, who is Jamaican, was forced to withdraw from a subsequent fixture to protect her mental wellbeing. Russo, who played alongside Shaw during her time at Manchester United, condemned the abuse, calling it “completely unacceptable.” She expressed solidarity with her fellow players, stating, “We stand with them and fully respect their decisions that they take with the process.” The incident has underscored the ongoing need for greater support and protection for players in the sport.
The North London derby, set to take place at the Emirates Stadium in front of over 50,000 fans, is a major focal point for Arsenal as they aim to secure a crucial three points. With Chelsea leading the league on 37 points and Manchester United in second place with 30, Arsenal’s 27 points mean they have some ground to make up. However, Russo remains optimistic, highlighting the importance of every match in the run-in to the season. “We’re realistic, but we’re still pushing,” she said. Arsenal’s recent defeat to Manchester City in the Continental Cup semi-finals served as a setback, but Russo and her teammates are determined to bounce back. The striker’s experiences at both Manchester United and Arsenal have given her a unique perspective on the competitive landscape of women’s football, and she is determined to play her part in bringing success to her current club.
Russo’s journey to becoming one of England’s most promising talents has been marked by hard work and a relentless drive to improve. Her four-goal haul at Euro 2022, including that unforgettable back-heel against Sweden, showcased her skill and confidence on the biggest stage. Now, as she prepares for another major tournament, Russo is focused on building on that success. She is also aware of the broader significance of women’s football, both in terms of growing the game and inspiring the next generation of players. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to standing up for her fellow players make her a key figure in the sport.
As the season reaches its climax, Russo and her Arsenal teammates are determined to make the most of their opportunities. With the Champions League, FA Cup, and league all still within reach, the striker is clear about her ambitions. “As a player, I want to win trophies,” she said. “We’re going to be doing everything we can to win.” Whether on the international stage or in the WSL, Alessia Russo is ready to put in the work and bring glory to her club and country. Her hunger for success, combined with her passion for the game and her commitment to standing up for what’s right, makes her a true leader in women’s football.
