Alessia Russo responds to online abuse ahead of Euro 2025
Alessia Russo has hit back at rising levels of online abuse targeting her and her England team-mates in the build-up to Euro 2025.
The Lionesses forward - fresh off her 50th cap and goal against Spain - spoke out this week about the “damaging” trolling that players have endured in recent months, especially after defeats.
“When I was younger I probably got sucked into it more,” said Russo.
"In my first Euros I was on social media and I would have a look, have a scroll, and I got caught in a trap sometimes.
"Going into the World Cup, I completely came off everything and I had people to run my Instagram. I just focused on the tournament.
Other Lionesses speak on the matter
Manchester United midfielder Grace Clinton said she plans to stay off social media to avoid what she called a “toxic environment.”
Chelsea’s Lauren James told BBC Radio 5 Live: “The abuse never really stops. Sometimes it's not even to do with my performance - even when someone loses at Fifa, my card scores against them and they're sending me abuse.”
“I guess when it's your first time though, maybe it might touch someone, but I'm used to it. I'm going to just brush it off my shoulder.”
Midfielder Keira Walsh revealed she no longer uses social media at all, while Lucy Bronze highlighted the wider impact on players’ families:
"People write horrible things and obviously our families read it as well and it can be upsetting if you see something that's not very nice.
"Social media is amazing in one way and absolutely awful in another way. I think most of us have been off at some point."
It follows similar criticism from British tennis player Katie Boulter, who said she’d received death threats from trolls, sparking a wider conversation about the role of social media in modern sport.
With just weeks to go until the Lionesses begin their Euros title defence in Switzerland, platforms must take stronger action.
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