England women’s football team head coach, Sarina Wiegman, has praised the professionalism of striker Alessia Russo amidst a world-record transfer bid from Arsenal.

READING, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22: Alessia Russo of Manchester United is tackled by Gemma Evans of Reading during the FA Women's Super League match between Reading and Manchester United at Select Car Leasing Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Reading, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
READING, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: Alessia Russo of Manchester United is tackled by Gemma Evans of Reading during the FA Women’s Super League match between Reading and Manchester United at Select Car Leasing Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Reading, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Despite the £500,000 offer that would have made Russo the world’s most expensive female footballer, Wiegman has stated that the 23-year-old has not let the transfer rumours distract her.

“It [transfer deadline day] is another thing developing in the women’s game, it was a big topic, and she was the subject of it,” Wiegman said of Russo.

“But I don’t think she’s distracted. I went to Manchester United’s game on Sunday and I don’t think she was distracted, she was just doing her job and was very motivated to play a good game.”

The striker has been included in Wiegman’s latest 26-player squad for the Arnold Clark Cup tournament.

Wiegman also highlighted the growing competitiveness of the women’s game. Midfielders Jordan Nobbs and Lucy Staniforth, as well as striker Bethany England, all made high-profile moves to new clubs in January, but their transfers did not guarantee their selection for the national team.

Wiegman commented on the situation, stating that although the added playing time for these players is beneficial, it does not guarantee their selection for the Lionesses. The head coach emphasised that the players must continue to compete with their peers to earn a spot in the squad.

“They’re competing for selection,” said Wiegman.

“They’re in a good place, they’ve moved clubs and they’re playing a lot now and they can improve their game, and I think that makes it good for competition. But you can’t control what your competitors do and you can’t control what choice I will make together with our technical staff, and that’s the situation they’re in right now.

“So yes, it’s good they get [match] minutes, that makes their position better but doesn’t guarantee that you’re being selected. They have to compete with the others too.”

Leah Williamson has also returned to the England squad after injury caused her to miss November’s camp.