Mead, Daly, Salmon: Who should be England's starting striker against the US?

England’s Alessia Russo delighted crowds at Euro 2022, with the 23-year-old particularly remembered for an iconic back-heel against Sweden in the semi-finals.

With Ellen White announcing her retirement soon after the tournament, it was expected that Russo would become Sarina Wiegman’s starting striker.

But the Manchester United star has withdrawn from the latest England squad with a “small injury”, leaving a vacant space in the Lionesses’ attack.

A blockbuster encounter against the United States at a sold-out Wembley awaits, and Wiegman must now choose who will start up-front. GiveMeSport Women assesses her options.

Wiegman chose not to call up a replacement for Russo, suggesting she is happy with her attacking options.

This will be a blow to Bethany England, who was a back-up striker during Euro 2022 but was not selected for the latest Lionesses squad.

But Wiegman already has Ebony Salmon, Beth Mead, Lauren James and Fran Kirby at her disposal when considering who should be her starting number nine. All four would be slightly unconventional choices for varying reasons, but they are all more than capable of getting the job done.

Salmon has only made one appearance for England so far, featuring against Northern Ireland in a friendly last year, but she has been in scintillating form in the NWSL.

Her goalscoring prowess – nine goals in 12 appearances – propelled Houston Dash to a place in the NWSL play-offs.

Salmon told GiveMeSport Women last month that she was “fighting” to become England’s starting striker, and she could well be given her chance on Friday.

If Wiegman feels Salmon is too inexperienced, she may instead turn to Mead and Kirby, or even James.

Both Mead and Kirby started their careers as out-and-out strikers,