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Alessia Russo shot to fame as one of the faces of England’s Euro 2022 victory on home soil and is now closing in on conquering the worldwith the Lionesses.
Russo scored four times at the Euro, but her stunning backheel finish through the legs of Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl in a 4-0 semi-final rout saw her instantly become a social media sensation.
Sponsors flocked to the 24-year-old, who could reportedly become the first Women's Super League (WSL) player to earn more than £1 million-a-year through bonuses on England duty, her club salary and commercial deals.
Ahead of the World Cup, she fronted an Adidas campaign alongside David Beckham, whose daughter is among her cast of fans.
Arsenal saw a world record £500,000 bid for a women’s player turned down by Manchester United in January despite Russo having only six months left on her contract. She has since joined the Gunners on a free transfer.
Classy Bonmati takes five-star Spain into World Cup quarters
FootballBut all has not been plain sailing for Russo in 2023. She was outscored by teammates Rachel Daly and Bethany England in the WSL last season and her place as England’s number nine coming into the tournament was in question.
Those doubts lingered during an inauspicious start to the World Cup by Sarina Wiegman’s side.
Russo failed to find the net in 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark and was outshone by Lauren James’ hat-trick even when she did get off the mark in a 6-1 thrashing of China.
Another blank followed as England dodged a bullet in the last 16 to squeeze past Nigeriaon penalties as James was sent off.
Hemp partnershipBut, without the Chelseaplaymaker, and the injured Leah Williamson
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