VIDEO: Lionesses stars Millie Turner & Alessia Russo enjoy head tennis challenge ahead of England's friendly with Italy

England were all smiles in training once again as Lionesses duo Alessia Russo and Millie Turner enjoyed a game of head tennis while recovering.

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• England preparing for Italy friendly
• All smiles during training
• Turner and Russo play head tennis

• Getty
  

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fresh off the back of an enthralling keepy-uppy challenge before their first friendly against Austria, the Lionesses once again found time to unwind in training with another fun game. While in an ice-bath to recover following Monday's session, Russo and Turner embarked on a round of head tennis. The pair exchanged several headers before Turner touched in the winning shot, much to the delight of the England duo.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite adopting unorthodox training methods such as these, whatever Sarina Wiegman is preparing in sessions appears to be doing the trick. The Lionesses romped to a 7-2 victory over Austria in their last outing, with Russo one of two players to bag a brace. Beth Mead also scored twice as Jess Carter, Rachel Daly and Grace Clinton all got on the scoresheet, the latter of whom impressed on her international debut.

• WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  That 7-2 thrashing is the ideal preparation for the Lionesses' next match against Italy on Tuesday. While a great opportunity for new stars – such as Clinton – to get minutes, England midfielder Georgia Stanway recently highlighted the risks of such a crowded international schedule, which continues despite Wiegman's side not qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics.