Alessia Russo eyeing a regular spot as England’s No 9 following Ellen White’s retirement

Alessia Russo says she wants to cement her place as an England starter after the retirement of Lionesses’ record goalscorer Ellen White.

Russo came off the bench in every game at Euro 2022 but netted four times, including an iconic back-heel that won goal of the tournament.

The striker has scored eight goals in her 13 caps but has only made two starts for her country.

Euro 2022 star Alessia Russo says she wants to cement her place as an England starter

She said she wants to be a regular after the Lionesses’ record goalscorer Ellen White retired

‘I feel like I haven’t maybe made my name as a starting striker yet so I’ve still got a lot of work to do,’ Russo said.

‘I think the talent that we have in this country is massive, the competition is high and I’m ready to learn and compete and that’s what I want to do when I come in this environment.

‘There’s always pressure on footballers all the time so it’s just part of the job you’re in. It’s a competitive game and the frontline is very competitive. I’ve just got to keep working hard.’

Russo, who can also play on the wing, says she is still adapting to the No 9 role but is always watching and learning from other strikers in both men’s and women’s football.

Russo netted four times at Euro 2022, including a back-heel that won goal of the tournament

‘I think I’m still fairly new to the No 9 position. When I was out in the States I played more as a winger, until my last season then I moved to the nine. Then at United was a nine before the injury and then last season. 

‘I think there’s so much to learn in that position, it’s slightly more detailed than people think and something that I’ll still learn. I like to watch a lot of football and learn from other nines.

‘I watch most games when they’re on. Obviously [Erling] Haaland has just come into the Premier League and he’s scoring for fun at the minute. I mean I know I’m a Manchester United fan but I support football. 

‘I just love watching strikers score goals, men’s, women’s, English, European, wherever. Whatever I can learn from other players and add to my game I will.’

Russo has admitted to watching a number of No 9s including Erling Haaland to improve

Russo is likely to lead the line for England in their World Cup qualifier against Austria on Saturday but she will have competition from Beth England and new squad member Ebony Salmon.

Sarina Wiegman included Salmon in her first ever England squad but the forward was left out of subsequent camps. 

But Salmon’s eight goals in nine games for American side Houston Dash has caught Wiegman’s eye and the striker is determined to show what she can do.

‘I haven’t spoken to Sarina about the situation but I think Ellen’s left a gap that was full for a few years so I think that it’s obvious to everyone that the position is up for grabs,’ Salmon said.

‘Alessia was at the Euros and she did really well so she’s obviously fighting for that spot but I think for her and for myself and for Beth [England], for anyone competing that [spot] it’s really good to have competition.’

Russo will have competition from Beth England and new squad member Ebony Salmon (above)