England striker Alessia Russo insists they will learn from Tuesday night's defeat to Australia as they ramp up their preparations for the 2023 World Cup in the summer.
The Lionesses' incredible 30-game unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman came to a grinding halt at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford as goals from Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant inflicted the first defeat on this England team in two years. Last week, they narrowly beat Brazil in the inaugural women's Finalissima on penalties and striker Alessia Russo highlighted the importance of facing top quality sides before a major tournament.
“These past two games have been huge learning curves for us," the Manchester United star said post-match. "I think it was great to face top opposition and prep us for the World Cup.
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"These are the games you want to be playing and unfortunately tonight we didn’t win but we’ll take so much from this going into the summer. We have high standards, on and off the ball. They had two chances and took them both, I don’t think Mary (Earps) had a shot (to save) besides that. When you give teams chances like that, they will capitalise.
“Up top as well, we’ve got to be more clinical. I think going into prep for the World Cup now, we’ll take so much from these last two games.”
Russo appears to have assumed the role as first choice striker following the retirement of Ellen White after the Euros but manager Sarina Wiegman is still working to nail down a perfect combination in attack. Rachel Daly, after being a mainstay in the England team as a full back, is now being utilised further forward and she was tasked with a different role on Tuesday in the 10.
The Villa star addressed the positional change post-match, saying: “It’s conversations around scenarios and different things that need to happen. It’s a different position for me, but one I’ve played in for club a couple of times. For me, I’ll go wherever I’m needed, I think everybody knows that!
“It was a change for me but I tried to bring energy, positivity and try and create something. It’s not easy coming into a game like that, it never is. But I was ready to come on and do everything I needed, I always am. It was always going to be a tough game, Australia are fantastic.”
Daly also shut down the notion it was a reality check for England, but she highlighted the lessons they can take moving forward.
The 31-year-old added: “I don’t think ‘reality check’ is the right word, we’ve had close games. You saw at the Euros, we’ve had tough tests and tonight was another tough test.
"I don’t think that’s the right way of framing it but it’s definitely a lesson we needed and one that can shape us for better things at the World Cup. We’re not looking that far ahead right now, we’re looking at the here and now and there’s a long way to go until then. We’ll pick the bones out of it.”
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