Alessia Russo has called on England to remain focused as they look to seal Euro 2025 qualification.
The Lionesses face Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road in Norwich on Friday before ending their campaign with an away trip against Sweden on July 16 as they bid to reach next summer’s Euros in Switzerland.
Sarina Wiegman’s side sit third in Group A3 with seven points, behind second-placed Sweden on goal difference with France leading the way on nine points, but Russo is still confident the reigning European champions can seal qualification despite not being top of the group.
“Of course that’s what we want [qualification],” the Arsenal striker said.
“We want to be qualified, and look forward to that and have a focus on it. This group is tough, but ultimately that’s the goal.
“We know what we want to do as a group, we know our standards, we know what we want out of this camp.
“I think that’s all that matters going into the group. Like I said, it’s a top group, and the teams in it are all very tough and all very different.
“We know what we can do, and what we can control to hopefully come out on top.”
England, who can seal qualification with a second-placed finish in the group, opened their qualification campaign back in April with a 2-0 win against Republic of Ireland, thanks to first-half goals from Lauren James and Alex Greenwood.
Russo is expecting another hard-fought clash with Eileen Gleeson’s side at Carrow Road.
“They are a really tough side to come up against,” Russo said.
“Different to the likes of Sweden and France – they maybe play a bit deeper. We find it a little bit more difficult to break them down, but that’s what it’s like in a lower block.
“They are tough, they’re aggressive, and very passionate. I think we felt that in the away game against them. It’s definitely not an easy test coming up.”
We’re all one team, one England. We’re backing them like they would have done with us. They’re all very experienced and they know what it takes to win”.
What’s next for England?
The Lionesses return to action on Friday with their final two Euro 2025 qualifying matches. Sarina Wiegman’s side host Republic of Ireland at Carrow Road on July 12 and then end their campaign with an away trip against Sweden on July 16.
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Wiegman’s side sit third in Group A3 with seven points, behind second-placed Sweden on goal difference with France leading the way on nine points.
The Lionesses earned an important victory over France to boost their qualification hopes having lost to the group leaders at St James’ Park three days earlier in June.
The Republic of Ireland cannot qualify automatically after losing all four of their Group A3 matches and instead will enter the play-offs.
England, the current European champions, can still finish in top spot although it is out of their hands. However, second place is still enough to qualify for Euro 2025.
What is the Euro 2025 qualifying schedule?
Qualifying matchdays five and six: July 10 to 16 2024
Play-off draw: July 19 2024
Play-off round one (two legs): October 23 to 29 2024
Play-off round two (two legs): November 27 to December 3 2024
Euro 2025 finals draw: December 16 2024
Euro 2025 finals: July 2 to 27 2025 (Switzerland)