UNC soccer alum stars in England's 4-0 win over the Netherlands

The Lionesses were on precarious footing after losing their opening Euro 2025 match to France, but Alessia Russo righted the ship against the Oranje.
England v Netherlands - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Group D
England v Netherlands - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Group D | Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Defending European champions England were in uncomfortable footing in Group D after losing their opening match of Euro 2025 to France 2-1. Anything but a win would be seen as a disaster.

Fortunately for the Lionesses, Alessia Russo, fresh off the heels of a Champions League final victory over Barcelona with her Arsenal squad, was ready to lead the line. The England striker only went and bagged three assists to help defeat the Dutch 4-0.

Russo, a connecter as well as a finisher, was instrumental in England's build-up. Her first assist was probably her most impressive, receiving a fizzing pass from goalkeeper Hannah Hampton along the ground that bypassed all ten of Netherlands' outfield players before feeding Lauren James for the first goal.

Russo also assisted Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone, and was quite busy in her own right, putting three headers just wide of the post, and one into the back of the net, but was called offside on her Arsenal teammate Leah Williamson. Her industriousness and cutting edge were a constant threat to the Dutch back line.

Thanks to their heavy victory over the Netherlands, England find themselves in a strong position for the final group stage game. France hammered Wales 4-1, but will have to play the Oranje in their final game. If the Netherlands can pull off the upset, and England put a +2 margin of victory over Wales, the Lionesses could enter the knockout stages as Group D winners.

Alessia Russo and England play Wales on Sunday at 8pm (Switzerland time).