Super-sub Alessia Russo scored the pick of England’s goals in their Euro 2022 semi-final thumping of Sweden – but it came as a relief after missing a ‘sitter’ seconds earlier.
The Manchester United forward found the net with an outrageous backheel to strike the Lionesses’ third goal in the 4-0 win at Bramall Lane that booked their ticket for Sunday’s final at Wembley.
Russo’s moment of brilliance came after she had been denied by Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, who she then proceeded to nutmeg with an effort that is bound to be replayed for years to come.
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It was just the latest big contribution off the bench during the tournament for the 23-year-old, who is pressuring Ellen White for a starting spot when England face either Germany or France under the Arch.
Russo told the BBC: “To be honest, I was a bit gutted that I missed a sitter that Lauren [Hemp] played in so I thought ‘oh god, I have to do something about this.’
“Luckily it fell to me and I thought that was the quickest route to the goal so I just hit and hoped, and luckily it went in.”
Russo is now joint-second in the race for the competition’s Golden Boot with four goals despite not having started any of England’s five games on their road to the final.
It is also her second contender for Goal of the Tournament, following her superb turn and finish in the 5-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the Lionesses’ last group game.
When asked why she has been such a success as a substitute for the last three weeks, Russo said: “I just love playing for England so any opportunity I get I’m going to take with both hands.
“This tournament, this group of girls, this group of staff is really special and I think it gives you an environment you can thrive in. That’s exactly what I feel like I’m doing.”
Russo is only behind team-mate Beth Mead in the scoring charts, after the Arsenal winger took her tally for the competition to six with England’s opener, which was an excellent finish in its own right.
Like everyone else, Mead was bewildered by Russo’s backheel, saying: “She said she was disappointed with her first shot not going in, but I think the instinct to backheel it that quickly, and through the ‘keeper’s legs, it was a very naughty goal.”
On how her own strike helped to settle England down, Mead added: “They started the game really well and they opened us up a little bit at times, so I think it was a good time to get the goal.
“It gave us that little bit of extra energy to finish the first half well and then second half I thought we showed such a dominant display.”
Tickets are on sale now for fans to experience a history-making tournament that aims to unite football and communities and amplify the growth of the women’s game. www.uefa.com/womenseuro/ticketing
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