- Georgia Stanway to Lead England in Absence of Keira Walsh
- Walsh Ruled Out for England’s Match Against China
- England Aims for Perfect Group Stage Record Despite Injuries
Stanway says she feels “much more mature” and is ready to “lead by example” as England approaches the quarterfinals. The Lionesses need a victory or a tie to advance.
Georgia Stanway says she will lead by example in the absence of midfield partner and closest friend Keira Walsh during England’s final Women’s World Cup group match against China.
Walsh was carried off on a stretcher during the first half of England’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in Sydney on Friday with what appeared to be a severe knee injury, but scans have since revealed that Walsh did not suffer an ACL injury as was initially feared.
England manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed Walsh is ruled out for Tuesday’s match against China in Adelaide, with midfielder Stanway embracing the opportunity to assume additional responsibility in the absence of Barcelona’s Walsh.
Stanway stated, “I woke up this morning feeling significantly more mature.”
“I believe that over the past year, I’ve established a leadership role for myself through my performance.
“I’ve gained a great deal of confidence in my own game, I’ve been consistent since the Euros, and I’d like to maintain this momentum.
“Performance shows leadership. I can lead by example and communicate. I’ll try two.”
Wiegman was evasive when asked if Walsh would be able to continue participating in the tournament.
“Keira is fine. This is not the ACL. “I cannot provide any additional information,” Wiegman said.
“She will be unavailable tomorrow, and we will continue doing what we’re doing after tomorrow’s game.”
“I believe our team is powerful enough. We want to perform at our best in every event, but she is unavailable. We have a group of 23, so we are now a group of 22; we have discovered solutions and will demonstrate them tomorrow.
“It’s never pleasant to lose athletes. First for them, then for the team, but we’re here to progress forward.
“It’s part of the sport, it’s not pleasant, but we must move on, adapt to the new situation, and find a way to put 11 players on the pitch who we believe can win the game.”
Five players from the starting lineup that won last year’s European Championships are now unavailable for the match against China.
The England manager is unfazed, stating that the team’s objective is to finish the group stage with a perfect record.
“In sports, things occur,” Wiegman stated.
“Sometimes you triumph and sometimes you lose, as you are currently losing some players. As previously stated, our group consists of 23 people.
“It may appear a little different because we have different individuals, but our goal is still to win games. This is what we’ve done in the first two games, and it’s what we’ll attempt to do again tomorrow.
Stanway added, “As Sarina mentioned, there are 22 of us who must step up, and she (Walsh) will be watching.
Today’s match between England and China begins at noon UK time.
The group stage concludes on August 3, 2018. Group champions and runners-up advance to the round of 16, which is held from 5 to 8 August.
On the 11th and 12th of August, the quarterfinals will be conducted in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.
The first semi-final will be played on 15 August in Auckland, while the second semi-final will take place on 16 August at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final will be played on 20 August at the same venue.
