I’m just loving playing football – Alessia Russo relishing England’s Euro run

Alessia Russo has spoken of how much she is enjoying herself on the pitch after her brilliant back-heel in England’s 4-0 Euro 2022 semi-final triumph over Sweden.

Substitute Russo notched the third goal at Bramall Lane in the 68th minute when she back-heeled the ball through Hedvig Lindahl’s legs after the goalkeeper had parried her initial shot.

It was a fourth goal for the Manchester United striker in the Lionesses’ home Euros campaign that will now conclude with Sunday’s final at Wembley against either Germany or France.

Russo, who is at her first major international tournament and has come off the bench to replace Ellen White in each of England’s five matches, said when asked about her confidence levels: “I’m loving it so that helps with confidence.

“I think when you’re enjoying your football you play your best. Maybe (even just attempting that goal) does show a bit of confidence – but I’m just loving playing football.”

Breaking down what happened when she scored, the 23-year-old said: “To be honest, the first (shot), I should have scored – we were actually working on cut-backs in training the other day.

“And then once it fell back to me I thought, ‘Right, what’s the quickest route for this ball to get in the net?’ because I should have scored in the first place. So I just swung a foot at it and luckily it hit the back of the net.

“Of course, to score in a semi-final and progress to the final is a huge highlight of my career. I don’t normally score back-heels and I don’t think you’ll ever see one again, but I’ll take it for now!”

On her role as an impact substitute, Russo added: “I’ll take any time I get to play for England. It’s been amazing and I’m loving playing for the Three Lions and with everyone else.

“I think