Former Lionesses icon Ellen White has backed England's forwards to start firing after a difficult World Cup opener - but refused to be drawn on who she'd pick to lead the line.
Alessia Russo was given the nod in England's first group match against Haiti as last season's WSL top scorer Rachel Daly was left on the bench. Aston Villa star Daly was subbed on for the last 14 minutes of Saturday's 1-0 win, but neither player was able to make a significant impact.
Russo, who has confirmed her switch from Manchester United to Arsenal this summer, has been preferred as the lead striker by Sarina Wiegman since the prolific White retired after the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph. Despite Beth Mead's absence through injury, Wiegman has vast riches to choose from in the attacking department, including Tottenham's Beth England, and White feels any of the trio can be relied upon to supply the firepower as the tournament progresses.
Speaking at Actonian Girls FC, via Express and Star, White said: “Rachel Daly has done well for Villa this season. Whoever is selected to be the No.9 will do an amazing job and will have my full backing.
“Russo has scored some big goals for Manchester United and obviously she’s got a big move coming up with Arsenal. She started a number of games since I retired at No.9 for England and then scored some good goals and performed well.
"And obviously Beth England can come on as well and make a big difference. It’s a tough position to play, I know that, but I think whoever takes on that role will do amazingly well, and I’ll be supporting them all the way.”
Despite only returning to the Women’s Super League in September 2022, Daly won the 2023 Golden Boot and equalled Miedema’s record for the most goals scored in one season. She was frustrated to start England’s first World Cup game on the bench, having been a staple of Sarina Wiegman’s Euros side last summer, but conceded: “It’s a tough place for Sarina to be, to pick the team. I respect her decisions and I will support Alessia all the way."
Former England international Sue Smith has urged Russo to take a leaf out of White's book to find her scoring boots down under. White notched 52 goals in 113 caps for the Lionesses, but Smith claims she "turbo-charged her career" when she focused less on the defensive side of the game.
"I’m not advocating standing between the posts and just waiting around on the off-chance an opportunity might present itself," Smith told Mirror Football.
"But no-one ever says: ‘Did you see that tackle Russo made?’ They didn’t do it with Ellen. She’s remembered for the goals she scored, not the successful challenges on her opponent’s left back.
"Alessia can still drop in and link play - it’s where she excels - but when you’ve got the likes of Daly and England ready, willing and able to step in, then you need to deliver."