BSS
  06 Aug 2023, 11:56

England boost with Walsh back training at World Cup

BRISBANE, Australia, Aug 6, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - England midfielder Keira Walsh
resumed training Sunday after missing the Lionesses' last Women's World Cup
match with a knee injury in a boost ahead of their round of 16 clash against
Nigeria.

The Barcelona star was stretchered off against Denmark and was absent for the
6-1 masterclass over China as England strolled into the knockout rounds.

But fears of a serious injury have abated and she trained at England's base
on Australia's Central Coast.

"All 23 players are out for training today at Central Coast Stadium," the
Lionesses tweeted.

England face Nigeria on Monday in Brisbane.

Coach Sarina Wiegman switched England's usual 4-3-3 formation to 3-5-2
against China because of Walsh's absence and it paid off.

Wiegman brought in Manchester United's Katie Zelem for Walsh and Jess Carter
and Lauren Hemp for the benched Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone, with a five-
person midfield giving them more freedom to roam.

Whether she retains the same set-up against Randy Waldrum's Nigeria remains
to be seen given the threat of Barcelona goal machine Asisat Oshoala and
Racing Louisville dangerwoman Uchenna Kanu.