ALESSIA RUSSO appeared to be in tears as the Lionesses waited for their plane home at Sydney Airport.
The heartbroken star was subbed at half-time during the Women’s World Cup final defeat against Spain on Sunday morning.
And Russo, 24, is still feeling the pain from the defeat a day later as she appeared to wipe tears away while in the departures lounge.
The Arsenal star was replaced at half-time by manager Sarina Wiegman with the Lionesses chasing a goal.
She and Rachel Daly, 31, made way for Lauren James and Chloe Kelly but the pair were unable to find an equaliser.
Olga Carmona scored the decisive goal to clinch the trophy for Jorge Vilda and La Roja.
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Russo finished the tournament as England’s joint-top scorer alongside James and Lauren Hemp with three goals.
Wiegman defended her decision to make the change after the game as she insisted that the team “gave everything”.
She said: “I have no regrets. I think we gave everything. The players gave everything.
“We tried different tactics. I also have to give credit to Spain.
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“I think they were the team over the whole tournament who played the best football.”
She was not the only star of the team to appear emotional as the whole squad looked tired after the six-week tournament.
All 23 players, as well as Wiegman and her coaching staff, were seen together ahead of the long flight back to England.
Alex Greenwood also appeared with a bruised eye following her collision with Spain striker Salma Paralluelo during the match.
The Manchester City and England defender took a brutal knee to the head in the 80th minute of the final, but insisted on continuing until full-time.
Defensive duo Daly and Jess Carter looked down as they left England’s team hotel for the airport.
The team did still have an after-party and were joined by England’s staff and their family and friends.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
