Russo’s first inclusion in the XI was revealed on Tuesday evening at the PFA Awards, with all accolades voted for by fellow players, making the recognition particularly meaningful for the winners. She was one of four Arsenal players to make the cut, alongside Emily Fox, Mariona Caldentey and Kim Little.

Russo, who earned a share of the Golden Boot last year, was also joined in the XI by two fellow England internationals, as both Maya Le Tissier and Millie Bright were included in the defensive line. Both players captained their clubs to success last term, as Le Tissier and Manchester United returned to the Champions League while Bright and Chelsea secured an unbeaten domestic treble.

Given the Blues’ success, it was a surprise to see just one of Bright’s club-mates joined her in the PFA Team of the Year – that being midfielder Erin Cuthbert. Le Tissier, meanwhile, was named alongside fellow Red Devils Jayde Riviere and Phallon Tullis-Joyce, the latter the second United States international to make the cut. The team was then rounded out by two Manchester City stars, in Yui Hasegawa and Mary Fowler.