Alessia Russo: 'England dominance of FIFPro XI is special'

The Arsenal forward was one of seven England Women players chosen in FIFA's team of the year for the period August 1, 2022 to August 19, 2023 at Monday night's The Best awards in London.

The Lionesses dominated the selection - voted for by tens of thousands of footballers worldwide - after reaching the Women's World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand last year.

By contrast, England's conquerors in that final and reigning world champions Spain earned just two nominations for the XI, while USA's Alex Morgan and Australia's Samantha Kerr rounded off the team.

Russo acknowledged that being named alongside her England teammates "means more", but insists that she is keen to push on and hit even greater heights after being included in the FIFPro XI for the first time.

"It makes it more special. They're the people you want to impress the most, your teammates. It's the people you work with every day, compete against, so yeah I definitely think it means more," she told reporters after the ceremony.

"But then I say you never really stand still in football, you're always wondering what's next. But nights like tonight make you realise what a special night it was and how grateful I am to be here, but yeah it definitely makes you want to push on for more.

"[Ella Toone and I] come as a pair apparently! It was really nice to see the Lionesses tonight and celebrate this amazing evening with them, and I'll go back and see a few of them now tonight before going to training tomorrow."

The 2023 FIFA The Best awards were dedicated to women's football and growing the game, with all of the awards being presented by women and a new award being unveiled to recognise the best goal scored by a woman that year - named after Brazilian legend Marta.

"I think it's incredible. I think it's a really cool touch, and to honour one of the greats is so special. I think it's really cool and it was nice to honour her tonight because she's had an impeccable career," Russo added.

"I think we're going in the right direction. It's a shame it's taken this long, but I think we just want to keep pushing the game.

"It sounds ironic but you want to keep making it better so young people don't ever have to think twice about playing football. Girls should never question whether it's the right career choice for them and never question whether they can be a professional full time.

"For us, it's just keep making sure that the pathway is there and that any girl can grow up to be whatever they want to be."

While the ceremony was going on it was also revealed that Russo's Arsenal side will take on Manchester City in the fifth round of the Women's FA Cup, and Russo is looking forward to the heavyweight contest.

"It'll be great. Tough fixture, but you've got to beat everyone to win that kind of trophy so it will be tough, but one to look forward to," she added.

Elsewhere at the awards, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named The Best Women's Player of the Year, while Lionel Messi picked up the men's equivalent for a record third time.