 Alessia Russo's move to Arsenal being 'out the way' will help the Lionesses focus on the Women's World Cup, says England legend Kelly Smith. Sarina Wiegman's squad play their first game against Haiti on July 22, before also taking on Denmark and China in the group stages. In recent months, discussions on the future club prospects of Russo have dominated online conversation. The 24-year-old has recently signed for Arsenal after leaving Manchester United, in an announcement made mere days before the England squad jetted off to Australia. With transfer speculation abated, Russo can now focus on the tournament at hand. England legend Kelly Smith, speaking from the Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup, told Metro.co.uk: 'There is already pressure on these players going out there having won the Euros. 'I think that's why she [Russo] wanted the transfer done and out in the media before going into the tournament. 'I think for Russo, personally, that's done now, that's out the way. Everybody knows she's an Arsenal player now so she can absolutely go out and fully focus on England and her own individual performances in the World Cup.' Alessia Russo during England's friendly with Portugal on July 1 (Picture: Naomi Baker) Smith – who competed in the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup with the Lionesses – has also suggested the wave of injuries hampering England could help them fly 'under the radar'. She continued: 'It's well documented England are missing key players – but we've got a great squad and players coming into the team for their first tournament will be really hungry. 'Sarina Wiegman is one of the best managers in the world in gelling a team together, we saw that in the Euros with how Beth Mead performed. 'I think we have a good chance, and England could go under the radar a little bit because of the key players being out. Other teams might look at us and see us as a bit weakened. 'It will depend on how we g){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Alessia Russo’s move to Arsenal being ‘out the way’ will help the Lionesses focus on the Women’s World Cup, says England legend Kelly Smith.
Sarina Wiegman’s squad play their first game against Haiti on July 22, before also taking on Denmark and China in the group stages.
In recent months, discussions on the future club prospects of Russo have dominated online conversation.
The 24-year-old has recently signed for Arsenal after leaving Manchester United, in an announcement made mere days before the England squad jetted off to Australia.