Women’s World Cup: Randy Waldrum prepares for England with and without Walsh

Randy Waldrum has prepared for a range of scenarios around Keira Walsh, Asisat Oshoala’s clubmate at Champions League winners Barcelona, and likens the situation to the mind games played around Matildas superstar Sam Kerr.

Earlier, England coach Sarina Wiegman had hinted about Walsh’s return following Walsh’s first training session with the team on Sunday since suffering a knee injury on July 28 when she was stretched off in 1-0 win over Denmark but Waldrum believes it was all a mind game and refuses to be distracted.

“Obviously, she’s a key player in the midfield for them,” Waldrum told media.

“Even though (Australia) had said she was out, a lot of times we all say a lot of things. We had to prepare with her there and without, and I think we have to do the same (around Walsh). Kind of like we had to do for Australia and Sam Kerr, we had to prepare with and without, we have to do the same.

“England has so many weapons. All of those players are playing all over the world in high profile settings. There are more that can do damage to us than just her. They’ve given us a lot of challenges to prepare for and it will just be another one if she comes in.

“We have to prepare for both, as a coach I would expect her to go with a back three because they played ever so well like that. We also know they’re going to adapt to how they can best play against us so we have to prepare for both situations, that’s what makes the job challenging because we don’t have a lot of time.

“We’ve tried this week to prepare for both and we’ll see which way they come out. [Sarina Wiegman] has done a fantastic job with England, since she took over you can see the progression of the team.

“When I look at a coach and try to analyse, if I don’t know them personally, you look at the team and tell if they have an idea. In their organisation, they look like they have a plan [and] a way they want to play.”