NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – MAY 31: Alessia Russo of England in action during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 qualifying match between England and France at St James’ Park on May 31, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Alessia Russo says that her England team-mate Jess Park is having a “brilliant” year – for club and country.
The Manchester United star has been picking up awards for her performances throughout the season – and joined Russo with a brace on the scoresheet against Ukraine in the 6-1 win during the week.
And ahead of the Lionesses’ next Women’s World Cup qualifier – against Iceland at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on Saturday – Russo told journalists just how impressed she’s been with Park.
“She’s having an incredible season, both at club and internationally. She is a player that has grown a lot.
“When she first came in, probably similar to how I was when you first come into the England environment, it’s tough and you want to impress but you’re maybe struggling with confidence and different things like that but as you grow and Sarina instils in us to play with this freedom and this confidence, you’re seeing that coming out massively now.
“She’s got so many different strengths and she can score some great goals as well. I love playing with her and I think she’s been brilliant this year.”
Alessia Russo: I love to score goals
And of her own recent displays, the Arsenal striker reflected: “I love scoring and I love playing for England, so when you get to do them both, it’s incredible. I think for me and every player in the team, we’ll say that we’re really focused on winning every game that we go into.
“Whether I can contribute with a goal or even just a good performance, then I’m happy with that. Ultimately, I am a striker, so I love to score and I love to be involved with the goals as much as possible.”
