12 April 2023 , 11:48
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Alessia Russo admitted England needed to be "more clinical" after they were beaten by Australia at Brentford.
The Lionesses tasted defeat for the first time in two years, and for the first time ever under Sarina Wiegman, against the World Cup co-hosts after goals from Sam Kerr and Charlie Grant. Russo went close twice in the first half but was often left isolated by a disciplined defensive display from the Matildas.
The Man Utd forward appears to now be Wiegman's first choice number nine, following the retirement of Ellen White, preferred to Rachel Daly for the third international in-a-row. After the defeat Russo was honest in her assessment of the Lionesses performance and made it clear they recognise where they need to improve.
"These past two games have been really learning curves for us," said Russo. "We have high standards on and off the ball, but they've had two chances and taken them both. I don't think Mary had a shot to save besides that.
"These are the games we need. Unfortunately we didn't get the win but will take so much from this into the World Cup.
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"We've got to be more clinical up top as well. But going into prep for the tournament there is a lot we can take. We don't like losing, but it is important to have these lessons. We know our standards can be higher and we'll reflect on that and what we could do better over the next two months.
"We'll be ready come July, all I can say is these are lessons learnt and we'll build from it."
England struggled to break down a well-organised Matildas side, who sat back in a low-block and forced England wide and every opportunity. Russo is normally involved in the Lionesses patient build-up play, but she struggled to receive the ball in space throughout the first half.
The overall attacking performance of the hosts perhaps pointed towards the need for a clear 'plan B' with other teams also likely to try and slow the game down and frustrate England in the summer.
Despite England's below-par display in the final third, Wiegman showed her faith in Russo, with the forward playing the full 90 minutes. Rachel Daly was brought off the bench with half an hour to go and played just in behind Russo, but missed a good chance to get them back into the game.
"We have some many versatile players," Russo said. "We know we have people who can come on and do a job anywhere.
"If anyone gets called to come on and influence the game we're ready for that."
Wiegman cut a frustrated figure on the touchline at Brentford, as the Lionesses struggled to create chances and get themselves back in the game. But despite losing her unbeaten record, Russo stated after the game that she wasn't panicking.
"Sarina is fine," she added. "She is a top, world class manager and she knows exactly how to build a team."