Alessia Russo takes the Camp Life Quiz

After putting in a Player of the Match performance last time out, Alessia Russo got the Lionesses forward up and running in 2026.

From what's on her reading list to her pre-match superstitions, the forward gives an insight into what life on England camp looks like.

What is one essential item you’re packing in your suitcase for a camp?

Probably a book. I always have a book with me. We get a lot of down-time on camp, especially towards game day and I like to have something to switch off from the football or from my phone or the TV. I’m into Freida McFadden – we all love her at Arsenal!

What about one luxury item?

Do biscuits count as a luxury item? I always bring some sort of biscuits with me because I like, of an evening, to have a cup of tea. This time, I’ve brought the chocolate digestives with the caramel. I love them.

How do you like to spend your downtime on camp?

It depends. I do like being around people a lot of the time. However, as I get older, I like my time to myself a little bit more. A few of us play Monopoly Deal, so I’ll either be playing with some of the girls or I’ll just be chilling in my room. I speak to my family all the time on FaceTime, so giving them a call and seeing my little niece on the phone helps switch me off.

Who would you sit next to on a plane or bus journey to an England game?

She’s not here and I’m very sad about it but it would always be Tooney. Everyone’s asking me if I’m OK on camp without her. I’m fine but I do miss her! I’ve also got Tay [Taylor Hinds] as well – someone that I’ve known for a really long time and Lotte, so it’d be one of those three.

What kind of character or personality would you say you are within the group and how would your teammates describe you?

I think they’d describe me as quite calm. I’d like to think they’d say quite positive. I feel like I always look on the bright side of life. I don’t get too stressed or too angry about things. I’m quite a mellow person. Hopefully they view me as that!

What is your favourite meal to eat on camp?

Sometimes our chef makes this beef that’s like crispy chilli beef and it’s so nice. I like Asian food, so sometimes we have Asian nights.

What is your favourite part of training?

Not the warm-up. I hate warming up – that’s the worst part of training! Probably small-sided games. I love it when we’re playing in tight areas and shooting as well.

Talk us through your pre-match routine.

Less of a routine, more things that are kind of a habit. I suppose that is a routine! As I’ve got older, I’ve got a lot less superstitious but I like to have a coffee. I like to listen to my playlist and then I jump seven times before kick-off. It’s random and I don’t know where it came from and I don’t know how it happened but it stuck.

What kind of music do you listen to before a game?

My pre-game playlist is the most random thing ever. It’s got country music, Motown, old school R&B, bit of house, bit of rap. It’s got everything on it.

Talk us through your post-match routine.

We’re normally on a pretty quick turnaround so we’ll often ice bath, get showered and pretty much be off. We often have some nice food after a game – a pizza or some sushi. I like a fizzy drink after a game, so we often have Pepsi Max or something like that in the dressing room that the girls like to have.

What is your favourite thing about being on camp?

Definitely the football. I love training here every day. But also, I think just being with different teammates and people that you’ve gone on a journey with. A lot of these girls I’ve known for a really long time, so catching up with girls that play on different teams and getting to spend some time with them.

How would you sum up pulling on an England shirt and representing your country?

It’s something that will never get old. It’s something that I take a lot of pride in. I feel really grateful to play for England but it’s also something that brings responsibility to represent your country in the best way possible but also help inspire the next generation to want to do the same. It feels amazing.

What is your favourite moment during your England career?

I would say the win in 2022. I think what that did for women’s football worldwide but particularly in the UK was something that has gone beyond what we thought but also now, we want to push for even more, so I think that moment – winning that trophy at Wembley – is something I’ll never, ever forget.

What is one piece of advice your younger self would’ve given you now that you’re in this position, playing for England?

I think I would say to believe in yourself. It’s not always easy but as you get older, you understand it more but I think you’ve got to believe in yourself first and foremost for other people to believe in you. And make sure you enjoy the process of it all as well because it goes really quickly.