Ella Toone and Alessia Russo discuss balancing football and future family plans | OneFootball

Ella Toone and Alessia Russo discussed pregnancy in football on the Tooney and Russo Show

England stars Ella Toone and Alessia Russo have discussed pregnancy in football and the challenges of balancing their football careers with future family aspirations.

The pair highlighted the difficulties of planning for motherhood while chasing trophies and success in football.

They discussed the subject on the ‘Tooney and Russo Show,’ and what the future could look like if they decided to start their own families while still playing football.

Ella Toone and Alessia Russo discuss pregnancy in football

Manchester United midfielder Toone said: “I think it is something that you need to think about. It’s not as easy as do I want to come back, will I be able to come back?

“Do I make sure I try and achieve what I can and then step away from the game and have my own family? But right now, I’m only 25, so I think for now I’m doing what I’m doing. But there will be a point in my life where I will have to think about it and think what’s best for me and what’s best for starting a family.”

Arsenal forward Russo also highlighted how the demands of football can put the thought of having a family on the ‘backseat’.

She said: “I think with football and how fast it moves and how much there is you want to do and want to win, it almost takes a bit of a backseat.

“I think it’s exciting you have another chapter maybe after football where you can have a whole second life. You don’t know how long it will take to come back, or how long it can take you to get pregnant or if you can have kids. So there’s a bit of a worry there, but you have to live in the here and now.”

Russo referenced her Arsenal teammate Amanda Ilestedt, who returned to play after giving birth to her daughter, Mila, in 2024.

The 26-year-old said Arsenal offered Ilestedt pelvic health specialists and how her baby Mila sometimes goes on trips with her mother and the squad.

She said: “Her (Ilestedt) body has been through it all and it’s nice to see her journey. She has been amazing and the club helped her a lot too.”

Toone and Russo part of Euro 2025 England squad

Both Ella Toone and Alessia Russo have been included as part of Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player England squad for Euro 2025.

The pair missed the Nations League clash against Portugal with injury but returned against Spain.

Russo scored in the 2-1 defeat, while Toone came off the bench with 15 minutes to play.

They will hope to play a big part in England’s quest to defend their European Championship title.