Alessio Russo can ‘fully focus’ on Women’s World Cup after Arsenal move, says Kelly Smith

‘Everybody knows she’s an Arsenal player now’ (Pictures: Getty Images)

Alessia Russo’s move to Arsenal being ‘out the way’ will help the Lionesses focus on the Women’s World Cup, says England legend Kelly Smith.

Sarina Wiegman’s squad play their first game against Haiti on July 22, before also taking on Denmark and China in the group stages.

In recent months, discussions on the future club prospects of Russo have dominated online conversation.

The 24-year-old has recently signed for Arsenal after leaving Manchester United, in an announcement made mere days before the England squad jetted off to Australia.

With transfer speculation abated, Russo can now focus on the tournament at hand.

England legend Kelly Smith, speaking from the Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup, told Metro.co.uk: ‘There is already pressure on these players going out there having won the Euros.

‘I think that’s why she [Russo] wanted the transfer done and out in the media before going into the tournament.

‘I think for Russo, personally, that’s done now, that’s out the way. Everybody knows she’s an Arsenal player now so she can absolutely go out and fully focus on England and her own individual performances in the World Cup.’

Alessia Russo during England’s friendly with Portugal on July 1 (Picture: Naomi Baker)

Smith –  who competed in the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the Lionesses – has also suggested the wave of injuries hampering England could help them fly ‘under the radar’.

She continued: ‘It’s well documented England are missing key players – but we’ve got a great squad and players coming into the team for their first tournament will be really hungry.

‘Sarina Wiegman is one of the best managers in the world in gelling a team together, we saw that in the Euros with how Beth Mead performed.

‘I think we have a good chance, and England could go under the radar a little bit because of the key players being out. Other teams might look at us and see us as a bit weakened. 

‘It will depend on how we go out the gates on that first game against Haiti.’

England’s recent friendly against Portugal left both sides without goals, despite several bold attempts.

Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith spoke to Metro from the finals of the Pokemon Futsal Cup (Picture: Jess Hornby/The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Smith, whose iconic World Cup goal celebration against Japan in 2007 went down in women’s football history, hopes it will be a very different story in the group stages.

There are almost too many players to keep watch on, the former Arsenal legend said.

She continued: ‘I think Rachel Daly will be the number 9 because of how consistent she’s been throughout the season at Aston Villa

‘I always loved to see Lauren Hemp when she’s at her best taking players on in a 1v1 while being creative. 

‘Lauren James is such a superstar in the making and I’m excited to see her perform on the big stage. In the next few years, I think she will be the number ten for England because of her creativity and vision.’

Lauren James smiles during a final England Training Session at St Georges Park in Burton-upon-Trent (Picture: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

It is hoped England’s journey at the World Cup will have a similar impact as the Euros, in inspiring a new generation of young girls to play football.

Smith spent the weekend at the finals of the Pokemon Youth Futsal Cup, a tournament which saw young people from across the country compete in the 11-aside game.

Regional finals had pitted teams from across the country against each other, ahead of the finals last weekend at the University of Wolverhampton.

The event, in partnership with England football, gave both girls and boys the chance to grow in confidence, Smith said.

For a player who had to fight to get women’s football where it is today, the 44-year-old looks at the progress with a sense of pride.

‘I grew up the only girl in my town playing football,’ Smith recalls.

Events such as the Pokemon Futsal Cup give children confidence to compete in sport, Smith said – (Picture: Jess Hornby/The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

She continued: ‘I played with the boys but would have loved the opportunity to play on a girls team from a young age.

‘The way the game is now, there are so many more opportunities for girls to play. 

‘Here today, we’ve got four different age groups and both sexes are here. It represents equality and the importance of giving girls the opportunity to get into football. Sport gave me so much confidence and boosted my self-belief, which is the case here at the Pokemon Youth Futsal Cup.

‘They’re working on technique and you can see them really enjoy the teamwork aspect to the game.

‘Too many kids are on computers these days and less active in various ways. But days like today are brilliant and what is needed to help develop girls’ interest in the game and develop their skills.’

Kelly Smith was speaking to Metro at the finals of the 2023 Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup by England Football. 

To find out more about this year’s competition head to mastertheball.com

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Kelly Smith, speaking with Metro.co.uk, also suggested England could ‘fly under the radar’ due to their scale of injuries.