England manager Wiegman is spoiled for choice after understudy put on a show in Switzerland

England’s understudy believe they can play a leading role at this summer’s European Championship after putting on a show for boss Sarina Wiegman in the 4-0 win over Switzerland.

In the absence of striker Ellen White, Alessia Russo and Beth England were both among the goalscorers as the Lionesses ended their tournament build-up with a comfortable victory.

White, England’s all-time all-time goalscorer, was absent from the last two warm-up games against Switzerland and the Netherlands after testing positive for Covid-19.

England striker Alessia Russo scored with a header in the 4-0 win over Switzerland

However, White was fit enough to be on the bench in Zurich on Thursday and should be available for Wednesday’s Euro opener against Austria at Old Trafford.

But against Switzerland, her deputies showed they are ready to step into her shoes should she suffer a setback.

White is now 33 and will probably not play every game in the tournament. Russo, 23, and England, 28, are both battling for first reserve and a goal for both against the Swiss has both boosted confidence and given Wiegman a selection headache.

Lionesses forward Beth England capped off an impressive performance with a goal against Switzerland

“It’s been tough and hard work, but that’s what you want,” Russo said. “You come here with the best players and the best staff around you.

“I just have to keep working hard, keep training hard, the level here is so high. We have so many different options on the front lines. It’s great to be a part of it.”

Russo was the starting striker on Thursday but England were lively as she came off the bench to make an impression, scoring with a header and almost finishing second.

“We all know there’s not just an 11 out there, there’s a whole 23 and the staff,” England said.

“Everyone is here to build each other up and the competition is fierce. It’s not an easy ride for anyone, nothing is guaranteed.

“When you get your chance, you have to take it. The girls use their chances, especially from the bench, which will probably give Sarina a headache. We just want to keep doing well and do what we can.’

The Lionesses won all three of their second-half warm-up games – and Wiegman agreed their squad strength could be a deciding factor.

“We’ve seen in a few games that our depth in the team is really good,” Wiegman said.

“What I also like is that they are ready to use right out of the box. Everyone wants to play, everyone wants to be there and everyone wants to contribute to this team.

“That says something about the quality of this team.”