Russo: 'Winning is most important but it feels nice to score'

Alessia Russo admitted “it felt nice” to score her first goal of EURO 2025 - but that helping England beat Wales 6-1 to book their place in the quarter-finals was far more important.

Russo scored the fourth goal as the Lionesses eased into the final eight in a game that they led 4-0 at half-time.

The forward insists England are now feeling extremely positive about their chances in Switzerland, with a knock-out clash against Sweden coming on Thursday.

She said: "Winning is all that matters but it does feel nice to score.

"I want to be involved in goals as much as possible and it felt good. It’s one game at a time but we are feeling really positive as a camp.

"Obviously we didn’t start how we wanted to but I think out reaction over the last two games has been really impressive so we want to keep that up now."

A big win to secure progression from Group D! 🔒🙌 pic.twitter.com/HdBcoK9nVl

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 13, 2025

Russo’s goal came in the 44th minute, after her team-mate and "best mate" Ella Toone had netted on 21 minutes.

England’s number 23 believes her connection with Toone could be crucial to the Lionesses' chances.

Russo said: "We love it. There is nothing like playing for your country.

"Playing for England with Tooney, we have such a good connection and obviously she is my best mate. I love spending time with her and on the pitch we have a nice connection, too."

Toone herself was thrilled with England’s performance – and also delighted to see Russo get off the mark for the competition.

The midfielder said: "We were really good. It is always hard to play against a team that sits in a low block, there is not a lot of space for us, but I think we tired them out and it was nice we got those early goals in the first half.

"I was buzzing [for Russo]. She deserves it. Even though she has not been scoring as much as she wants, she has still been creating loads of goals for us and working so hard. It is nice for her to get on the scoresheet.

"It will be a difficult game against Sweden. We need to play our best game like we have been these past couple."