The Albany Gazette - England's Russo hopes for change after Rubiales trial

A judge at the Spanish High Court last week found Rubiales guilty over a forcible kiss on Jenni Hermoso moments after Spain had beaten England in the 2023 World Cup final.

Rubiales was fined 10,800 euros ($11,300), but spared a prison sentence.

The sides face each other in the Nations League on Wednesday at Wembley for the first time since that showpiece match in Sydney, with Russo sending a message of support to the world champions.

"We've stood in solidarity with them (the Spain team) since the moment that it began," the Arsenal forward told reporters at a pre-match press conference.

"It's really a shame that they have to have gone through this, but we hope that it makes change going further forward.

"It's a testament to the players to be so brave to speak out, but also to still be performing at the level that they are. I've got (club) team-mates that have been through it, and they've acted with so much class through it all."

England coach Sarina Wiegman also praised the bravery of the Spanish players to take on senior members of their own federation, while maintaining their standards on the pitch.

"Spain has just a very good team, but it also says that they show resilience and that they're so brave," said Wiegman.

"I think we have to keep talking about it (the Rubiales case) I would almost say, unfortunately, and we have to keep telling the world that we stand in solidarity with them and hopefully it will make change."

In the 18 months since the World Cup final, England have struggled to hit the heights they did early in Wiegman's reign.

The Lionesses began their Nations League campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Portugal on Friday.

Wiegman, though, is not seeking revenge against Spain.

"I don't see it as revenge," she added.

"Of course we were disappointed that we didn't win it, but you move on, and this is the next game, and we want to play our best."

(W.Walker--TAG)