No Alessia Russo, no Plan B for England? Lionesses at risk of becoming too reliant on star striker amid lack of alternative No.9s

There might still be opportunities. If England get a couple of early goals in Tuesday’s second leg against Greece, then Wiegman might look to make some changes that help her learn a thing or two about her other options.

The Nations League will occupy the Lionesses in the first three international breaks of 2027, meaning the only window for friendlies will be just before the World Cup. But perhaps the draw will be kind and give England some games in which they can experiment a little.

After all, it feels like Wiegman needs to look at what her team looks like if Russo isn’t in it. Can she look at the way James has been used effectively as a false nine at Chelsea? What would she want in particular from Mead in that role? Could she bring someone else in, like Goodwin, just to see what they can offer? Is it just a case of waiting for Beever-Jones and Agyemang to return, then going from there?

That Russo is irreplaceable in this team speaks volumes of her particular qualities, and for her to have hit form with three goals in her last three games, having endured a slow start to the season, is good news for her, for England and for Arsenal.

But it’s always important to have a Plan B and, right now, it’s not clear exactly what the Lionesses’ would be, should it be needed.