Alessia Russo Drives England Forward With Creativity Over Goals

Alessia Russo underlined her growing importance to the England Lionesses on Wednesday night, proving again that a prolific striker can also be an elite play-maker. The Arsenal forward did not find the net in the 4-0 win against the Netherlands in Zurich, yet her hat-trick of assists ensured Sarina Wiegman’s side kept their Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying hopes firmly on track.

Alessia Russo’s all-round game steals the show

Russo’s performance began with an intelligent drop into midfield that dragged Dutch centre-backs out of position and opened the channel Lauren James exploited for the opener. Moments later, the No.9 drifted wide, delivered a pinpoint cross for James to head home, and then repeated the trick by threading Georgia Stanway through the lines. Her third assist, a cushioned lay-off for Ella Toone, highlighted both awareness and flawless technique.

Why the Lionesses rely on Alessia Russo

Wiegman has repeatedly stressed that England’s pressing starts from the front. Russo embodied that mantra, leading the line with relentless energy, winning five duels and forcing three turnovers in the Dutch half. Her selfless movement created space for James and Lauren Hemp to attack one-on-one, a tactical nuance that the Netherlands simply could not solve.

Numbers that back up the eye test

• 3 assists – the first Lioness to achieve the feat in a competitive match since 2005.
• 6 chances created – more than the entire Dutch side combined.
• 9 recoveries – underlining a work rate often overlooked in strikers.

Russo form bodes well for Women’s Euro 2025

Arsenal fans have witnessed similar versatility all season. Russo shared the Women’s Super League Golden Boot, yet also ranked in the top five for key passes. With England drawn alongside France, Wales and the Netherlands in Group D, her ability to alternate between finisher and facilitator could be decisive next summer in Switzerland.

What this means for Wiegman’s tactical options

England possess depth in attacking positions—Rachel Daly, Bethany England and Chloe Kelly are all vying for starts—but none combine physical presence, link-up play and clinical finishing quite like Russo. Wednesday’s display strengthens her claim to start as the lone striker, allowing James freedom on the flank and Stanway licence to burst forward from midfield.

Opposition viewpoint: Dutch frustration

Netherlands coach Andries Jonker lamented his team’s inability to track Russo’s roaming. “We planned for her runs in behind,” he admitted, “but we were punished by her clever drops between the lines. That is harder to defend than a traditional target forward.”

Alessia Russo headline moment fuels rising profile

From a branding perspective, Russo’s three-assist masterclass arrived just as Nike unveiled England’s new kit range, further boosting her commercial appeal. She has already fronted campaigns aimed at inspiring the next generation of female footballers—a mission she advanced on the pitch by demonstrating that success is not measured solely in goals.

Player reactions

Russo remained typically modest afterwards: “I’m a striker, so of course I want to score, but my job is to help the team win. If that means setting up my mates, I’ll do it every time.” Captain Leah Williamson was more effusive, calling her team-mate “central to everything good we did tonight.”

The road ahead: fixtures and expectations

England travel to Cardiff next month to face Wales, where another victory would virtually seal qualification. With Russo in this form, the Lionesses will fancy their chances of topping the group and defending their European crown. If she can blend her newfound play-making prowess with her trademark finishing, the rest of the continent should be on red alert.

Opinion

Russo’s display was a timely reminder that world-class forwards influence matches beyond the score sheet. By evolving into a complete striker capable of creating and finishing, she has become England’s most indispensable attacking weapon.