Alessia Russo appears to break down in tears as England Women’s World Cup team head home after heartbreaking final loss
ALESSIA RUSSO appeared in tears as the lionesses waited at Sydney Airport for their plane home.
The heartbroken star was substituted at half-time in Sunday morning’s Women’s World Cup final defeat by Spain.
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And 24-year-old Russo is still feeling the pain of defeat as she seemingly wiped away tears in the departure lounge a day later.
The Arsenal star was replaced by manager Sarina Wiegman at half-time while the Lionesses were chasing a goal.
She and Rachel Daly, 31, made way for Lauren James and Chloe Kelly but the pair failed to equalize.
Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal and secured the trophy for Jorge Vilda and La Roja.
Russo finished the tournament as England’s top scorer alongside James and Lauren Hemp with three goals.
Wiegman defended her decision to make the post-game move, arguing that the side “gave their all.”
She said: “I have no regrets. I think we gave everything. The players gave everything.”
“We tried different tactics. I also have to give credit to Spain.”
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“I think they were the team that played the best football throughout the tournament.”
She wasn’t the only star of the team to appear emotional as the entire squad looked tired after the six-week tournament.
All 23 players, plus Wiegman and her coaching staff, were spotted together ahead of the long flight back to England.
Alex Greenwood also had an injured eye following her clash with Spain forward Salma Paralluelo during the game.
The Manchester City and England defender suffered a brutal knee blow to the head in the 80th minute of the final but insisted on playing to the end.
Defending duo Daly and Jess Carter looked down as they exited the England team hotel for the airport.
However, the team held an after-party, which was also attended by the English staff and their families and friends.
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