England predicted XI vs Netherlands as Alessia Russo eyes response from Lionesses

Alessia Russo is eager to get back out on the pitch at the earliest opportunity to help save England’s Euro 2025 campaign. Russo had an effort disallowed by VAR during the opening defeat against France but knows what it’s like to score on the biggest stage.

The Arsenal star delivered knockout goals at Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup. And she is ready to set things right, with the Lionesses knowing defeat against the Netherlands on Wednesday will likely bring their title defence to a premature end.

“When you have a disappointing result in football, all you want to do is get back out on the pitch and play again, so luckily with tournaments it comes round a bit quicker than normal,” Russo said. Four days is plenty for us to want to be back out on that pitch.

“We’ve had a few great days of training and getting back to it as a team, so yeah, I think everyone is ready and looking forward to tomorrow night.” Russo was also asked about the need to play without fear, after England were beaten in a group game at a major tournament for the first time since 2015. "Massively,” she said. “We want everyone to be as free as possible out on the pitch and going forward.

"It's a big part of what we are as a team. We have players who can create something out of nothing, and making sure everyone is in a good head-space is important. Ultimately we have a game-plan but we have individuals as well who can create a bit of magic."

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The prospect of an early exit is uncharted territory for manager Sarina Wiegman, too, with England’s boss having gone all the way in the last two editions of this tournament, but she isn’t fearing the worst.

“We don’t talk about consequence,” Wiegman said. “We talk about our game plan again, we talk about what we have to do to be at our best and how we can exploit spaces that the Netherlands leave behind and how we can take advantage.”

There have been calls from some quarters to change the starting XI, with some substitutes impacting the game on Saturday. And Wiegman, who confirmed all 23 members of the squad are fit for Wednesday’s game, is grateful for the options she has at her disposal.

"In our team we have different types of players who play in the same position,” she said. "So if you want to change something, change your shape and style to impact the game, we can do that."

There have been suggestions left-back Niamh Charles could come in at left-back for Jess Carter, who struggled against France winger Delphine Cascarino on Saturday, while Chloe Kelly is pushing for a start as one of the three behind starting striker Russo.

England (4-2-3-1): Hampton; Bronze, WIlliamson, Greenwood, Charles; Walsh, Stanway; Kelly, James, Hemp; Russo

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