Alessia Russo in action for England as the Lionesses suffered a shock 3-2 defeat against Belgium [Leiting Gao/SPP]

ALESSIA Russo will be hoping to have rediscovered her shooting boots in time for Sunday’s big kick-off as Arsenal return to Women’s Super League (WSL) action by hosting title rivals Manchester City at Meadow Park.

The striker led the line for England on Tuesday in what proved a night to forget for the Lionesses as they saw their hopes of progressing in the Women’s Nations League dealt a major blow when they were beaten 3-2 by Belgium. Trailing to Laura de Neve’s stunning free-kick, it looked like England had gotten away with one when goals from Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby turned the game around.

But Belgium still managed to pull off a shock victory thanks to two goals from forward Tessa Wullaert, including the winner from the penalty spot in the 85th minute.

Russo will now have to put that lacklustre showing in Leicester behind her and set her sights on the Gunners mouth-watering clash against WSL leaders City.

Elsewhere in the league, second-place Chelsea travel to Aston Villa on Saturday, while third-place Tottenham entertain Everton on Sunday.