Lauren James was the star of the show against China, but Alessia Russo's performance was also a huge boost for the Lionesses.
Prior to yesterday's match, the striker had gone six international games without a goal — a run stretching back to February. But Russo looked back to her best as England shifted to a 3-4-1-2 formation.
Playing in a front-two alongside Lauren Hemp, Russo benefited from having someone alongside her who was prepared to run in behind defences.
Since last summer's Euros and the retirement of Ellen White, Russo has led the line for England even though she is not really an out-and-out No9. Instead, it would be more accurate to refer to her as a nine-and-a-half — and Hemp's boundless energy helped bring the best out of her.
Russo cut a far less isolated figure than she did in England's first two group games at the tournament, and the way she exploited pockets of space in between China's midfield and defence caused problems.
"I liked it," said Russo, when asked about the switch to a new formation. You have closer connections to players, which is nice because you have LJ [Lauren James] under you and Hempo right by your side.
"I'll do whatever for the team, do what's needed. If that's making a channel run then when you play as a two you can make that run because you've got another striker in the box."
After enjoying a breakthrough tournament at Euro 2022, Russo is in the spotlight at this World Cup and that will only increase as the Lionesses prepare to face Nigeria on Monday.
As England's preferred striker and Arsenal's marquee signing this summer, the pressure is on her to succeed. She insists she can handle all that comes her way and says she never lost confidence despite a lack of goals recently.
"You've just got to go back to basics, work hard and that's what I've been doing in training," said Russo. "[I have been] hoping for a moment and, when you get it, you've got to take it with both hands.
"I am really pleased to get on the scoresheet, but more importantly we topped the group and now we're ready for knockout football."
