Russo: We can’t wait for the weekend

The Lionesses defeated Sweden 4-0 in the last four of the Women's Euros at Bramall Lane to secure a spot in this weekend’s home-tournament finale at Wembley. 

Reds striker Russo netted her fourth goal of the European Championship in Tuesday’s semi-final, coming off the bench to produce a scintillating backheel finish, as England powered into Sunday’s showpiece event.

Her United team-mates Mary Earps and Ella Toone also made valued contributions on the night – the former keeping her fourth clean sheet in five matches at the competition, while the latter helped the Lionesses to see the game out as a late substitute. 

England’s women’s team now have a first major-tournament final to look forward to since 2009, set to be played in front of a sell-out, tournament-record crowd in the capital. But Alessia insists that the focus is on the work still to be done.

“We all can’t wait,” Russo told UEFA. 

“It was a great performance, it was a gritty game, but we fought it down. 

“Second half was brilliant and obviously Beth [Mead] took her chance in the first half as well so it was great and positive, but [there is] lots more to do and we can’t wait for the weekend.”

Arsenal’s Mead had nudged the Lionesses into the lead shortly before the break following a well-contested first half, before England took full control in the second.

Lucy Bronze made it 2-0 just after the interval before Russo’s piece of brilliance – a backheel on the rebound after her initial effort had been saved – in the 68th minute. Fran Kirby then rounded off the scoring late on, to put the cap on an emphatic showing.

 

Another look at that Alessia Russo goal? Oh, go on then. 😍

Live: https://t.co/zg8cPsrbEf#BBCFootball #BBCEuros pic.twitter.com/9y7bdKLZ5r

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 26, 2022

In the aftermath of the events in Sheffield, Alessia’s contribution has since gone viral, but what was she thinking having had her first attempt stopped by the goalkeeper?

"To be honest, I was a bit gutted I missed the sitter that Lauren [Hemp] played in, so I thought: 'oh god, I have to do something about this.’ Luckily, it fell to me. 

“I thought that [the backheel] was the quickest route to goal, so I hit it and hoped, and luckily it went in."

Russo and co will find out who they will come up against in the final later today (27 July), when Germany take on France in the second last-four tie, at Stadium MK (20:00 BST).