Russo’s not losing faith

ALESSIA RUSSO insists England will be ready for July’s World Cup despite tasting a rare defeat this week.

The Lionesses went down to a 2-0 loss against Australia at Brentford on Tuesday, a first loss in two years and a first in 31 matches under Sarina Wiegman.

But the European champions remain upbeat despite their uncharacteristicallypoor display.

Manchester United striker Russo (below) said: “We have high standards and when you give teams chances they will capitalise.

“We need to prep for the World Cup now and will take so much from this. We don’t like losing but it’s important to have these lessons.

“Standards can be higher and we will reflect on that as staff and players.

“We will be ready to face anyone come July. We will build on it.

“Performances like these are not what you want in tournament football and we will take things from it. “Since Sarina’s been in we have not lost a game and it’s tough as no-one likes losing.

“But we will take it into the World Cup. “Sarina’s fine, she’s a world class manager and knows exactly how to deal with things like this. We will take it in our stride.” England could conceivably face Australia in the last 16 in the World Cup Down Under.

But Russo said: “We have no concerns about facing Australia again, these are lessons we want to learn ahead of the World Cup.” The Lionesses will have one more home game, to be announced, in early July before they fly to Australia. They have also announced they will base themselves in Queensland for the tournament.