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An injury to midfielder Keira Walsh means their hopes of winning the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has gone up in smoke according to an ex-international
England could have seen their World Cup dreams go up in smoke after a tournament-ending injury to star midfielder Keira Walsh.
England lose key midfielder
The Barcelona midfielder went down injured in England’s 1-0 win over Denmark in their second World Cup group game, and could be ruled out for the foreseeable future after suffering a suspected ACL injury.
If initial fears are confirmed, Walsh will miss the rest of the World Cup and could face an extended period on the sidelines, putting The Lionesses’ chances of a first World Cup win in jeopardy.
Former England international and 2022 Women’s European Championships winner Ellen White believes that Walsh’s absence means there is little or no hope that The Lionesses go on to repeat their WEuros success on the world stage.
White believes England will struggle without Walsh
White, wrote in her BBC column, expressing her grief at England losing the irreplaceable Walsh saying, “[At the 2022 Euros] everything came through Keira. There wasn't a Plan B.
“I dreaded to think of the idea of us ever losing her because she was one of our best players. Beth Mead was scoring all the goals but all of our play came through Keira.”
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White also noted that Walsh’s profile was unique in the England national team, and her skillset would be impossible to replace.
“She was the key cog, everything moved through her,” white said, adding, “I just don't know who England are going to have now in that six, or even potential double six, role.”
England have all but secured qualification in Group D of the World Cup and only need to avoid defeat against China in their final group game to qualify for the next round, but will likely struggle against the Steel Roses and beyond without their star midfielder.
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