England Lionesses ready to ace Euro 2022 with Alessia Russo and card playing pals out to prove they are the real deal
ALESSIA RUSSO and Co are planning to play their cards right… and ace these Euros.
England’s Lionesses can raise the stakes tonight when they kick off their glory bid against Austria.
And in-form striker Russo, 23, has revealed the squad just love playing cards between matches to help unwind.
The poker-faced star said: “We have a card group — me, Nikita Parris, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway…
“Nikita won the last one but I don’t like to say that because when she wins, you just don’t hear the end of it!
“We have lots of ways to switch off and I think that’s really important — especially with a long tournament.
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“It’s great to be out on the pitch but then when you’re back, you’ve got to find the right balance between just chilling out and putting your feet up.
“But also then obviously enjoying each other’s company — whether that’s cards, darts or whatever.”
Russo is among three Manchester United players who could be Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman’s trump card in Wednesday's Group A opener.
Russo, Toone and Mary Earps hope to become the first Red Devils stars to ever play for England at Old Trafford in a Women’s Euros.
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More than half a million supporters are expected to flock to games across the country.
And Russo hopes the tournament will generate the same huge home support that propelled the men’s team to last summer’s Euros final.
She also believes this tournament can help change people’s views on the women’s game.
Russo added: “You’ve got all the best talent in Europe playing in front of thousands of people.
“And I hope that we can change even just one person’s opinion of women’s football.”