With one cool, masterful twist, Alessia Russo announced herself as England’s not-so-secret weapon at these Friday night Euros.
The 23-year-old Russo has proven to be a super substitute in three appearances for England, and a reliable goalscorer who doesn’t seem to feel the pressure of her first major tournament – and a home one too. Instead, she blooms.
Russo was on the field for less than eight minutes Friday’s last group match against Northern Ireland, and she already had two goals — her tally to three in three games. Her first was another solid header, from a perfect Beth Mead cross, but she earned her rightful place in the highlight roles through the glow she showed for her second.
It started with a pass from captain Leah Williamson, who sliced through Northern Ireland’s midfield to deliver to Ella Toone, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes. Both she and Russo had been dropped in as substitutes at halftime, snapping the bit to impress in their first full half of the tournament.
You can’t underestimate the intuition between Toone, 22, and Russo, 23. They are team-mates at Manchester United, contributed 16 goals and 12 assists in the WSL last season, and were also born just a few months apart, as they tour England’s youth routes together.
That lasting partnership was evident in a packed St Mary’s. As soon as Toone received the ball, Russo sneaked in from the left of the goal towards D, where she came in between and slightly behind the central defenders. At the same time, Toone was already choosing her and didn’t hesitate for a moment when she played her on-side.
The rest was all Russo’s magic. With a swift, delicate movement of her trailing right foot, she shoved the ball behind her, towards the goal, and turned towards the target, leaving the unsuspecting Northern Ireland defense flat-footed and unsuccessfully calling for offside. Then, chasing her first touch, she used her athleticism to lunge for the ball and managed to blast past goalkeeper Jacqueline Burns with remarkable power. As the clip below shows, she made the bend look so natural, almost graceful.