England

6-0

Russia

A. Scott 10, Aluko 15, Carney 25, Smith 41, Yankey 64, Stoney 80

 

 
8 Mar 2007
VIDEO: England 6-0 Russia

In the first of  three games on home soil, the Three Lions got off to the perfect start with a crushing victory over Russia.

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Alex Scott admits that despite finding the net for the third time in five England appearances, she is still not used to scoring and needs to work on her celebration.

After scoring against Germany in Aalen last October, Alex followed that goal against the World Champions by netting in England's meeting with the world number two side USA in January. With three in five, and six overall for her country, Alex remains determined to keep improving - and not just her celebration style.

"I want to contribute to the team and everyone loves to score goals," Alex explained. "I really need to work on my celebration still, it took forever to get to the goal and I just didn't know what to do.

"I think we played some good, fast football at times in the first half.

"As far as my goals go, I don't know what to say really, but I just hope it continues. Obviously I've always been an attacking player but Hope has drilled it into me that I have to defend first, so I have to remember that as well as scoring goals."

No sooner had the final whistle gone that the focus had fallen on the next game at Wycombe Wanderers where England face Scotland, and Alex believes they will be a different proposition entirely.

"Scotland pose a different threat in our next game, but everyone wants to play in those kind of games and all the girls are really up for it. Julie Fleeting is a great goalscorer and a fantastic player, so we'll have to be mindul of her, but it has the makings of a great game."

England Head Coach Hope Powell was also pleased with the performance and result against Russia, but maintained the need to build on what has been achieved rather than dwelling on a big scoreline.

Hope said: "The players are growing in confidence and that's really pleasing. It's a good build on from China, we got some good results there and the players took a lot from drawing with Germany and USA and we have to progress from there.

"One of the bonuses of tonight is the spread of goals - it's great that the players are scoring from different positions. We try to give them that licence to get forward. If you find yourself in a centre-forward position, even if you are a right-back, then you have to fulfill that role.

"I think there was a lot of movement and creativity, and a lot of the stuff we have been working on in the last few years, so I'm pleased with how things are moving forward."