England get Keira Walsh’s boost ahead of Nigeria’s Round of 16 showdown

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

European champions, England got a boost ahead of their Round of 16 clash against Nigeria’s senior women’s national team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as midfielder, Keira Walsh returned to training.

The FC Barcelona midfielder suffered a knee injury in the Lioneses’ 1-0 win over fellow Europeans, Denmark during their second Group D encounter which ended 1-0 in favour of Sarina Wiegman’s side.

The injury was initially thought to be serious but she is expected to return to action at the tournament after her recent training regimen.

England will face nine-time African champions, Nigeria in Brisbane on Monday and the English outfit via its social media channel confirmed that all 23 players including Walsh trained at the Central Coast Stadium on Sunday.

It is not yet clear whether the midfielder will be available for the game against Nigeria after being taken off the field on a stretcher against Denmark.

A san after the game allayed any fear of an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury which signified that the player is on her path to returning to action.

England thrashed China 6-1 without Walsh after the coach changed formation due to her absence.

Walsh played a crucial role in helping England win their first major title last year with the Euros on home soil as she played all games and bagged three assists.