England forward Alessia Russo is hoping the Lionesses can improve their finishing ahead of their deciding Euro 2025 qualifier against Sweden on Tuesday.
The reigning European champions beat the Republic of Ireland in Norwich on Friday night, but their performance was described as “sloppy” by head coach Sarina Wiegman.
Russo scored England’s opening goal five minutes in before Georgia Stanway doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the second half.
Ireland got a consolation goal late on, but it wasn’t enough to rock the Lionesses to the point of collapse.
However, Russo was critical of her side after the match, saying they need to step up if they are to have any chance of making it to next summer’s tournament.
A narrow win for England – with Sweden currently losing to France, a point against the former on Tuesday would be enough for the @Lionesses to seal a place at Euro 2025.#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/bTEAQaG8ta
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 12, 2024
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, she said: “We will always be critical of ourselves for [not scoring more goals].
“We hold ourselves to high standards and we had some big chances that we would like to put away.
“But we will get recovered and rested and hopefully put that right on Tuesday.”
The top two teams in each League A group automatically qualify for Euro 2025, while the bottom two drop into the play-offs.
If England can avoid defeat against Sweden in Gothenburg, they will guarantee their spot in the finals that will take place in Switzerland.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman added: “Of course playing against Sweden – whether it’s a friendly or not – is a big game. This is fighting for a spot in the Euros.
“If you don’t get a result, you’re in the play-offs, which they don’t want and we don’t want. We need to be at the top level and so do they.
