England vs Nigeria LIVE: Keira Walsh overcomes knee injury to start for Sarina Wiegman’s side in knockout World Cup clash
Follow all the action as England face Nigeria this morning in the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
The defending European champions scraped by their first two opponents, Haiti and Denmark, before bursting into life with a stunning 6-1 win over China to seal top spot in Group D.
The Lionesses now face Nigeria, who finished second in Group B, just behind Australia.
FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 clash at Lang Park to kick-off at 8:30am
Live commentary: talkSPORT website stream HERE, via the app HERE
England XI: Earps, Carter, Bright, Greenwood, Bronze, Stanway, Walsh, Daly, James, Hemp, Russo
Subs: Charles, Toone, Nobbs, Hampton, Roebuck, Wubben-Moy, Morgan, Coombs, Kelly, England, Zelem, Robinson
Nigeria XI to follow
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England vs Nigeria; Keira Walsh plays with Injury
England is taking on Nigeria in the Round of 16 knockout match of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament. Led by Manager, Sarina Wiegman, England will have a full strength to choose from following the news that Manchester City star Keira Walsh has overcome a knee injury to start in the match.
Walsh has been pivotal to the success of the team this tournament, and was recently called up for the FIFA Best Player Award 2019, though she ultimately missed out on the prize. After injuring her knee against Scotland on June 19, there were doubts about her availability for this important match.
However, the 22-year-old midfielder has responded to treatment and is now ready for the match. Speaking to the media after training, she said: “I know what the team needs, and I’m feeling really good. I’m ready to give my all for England.”
The match against Nigeria is being touted as the biggest challenge yet for England. Nigeria has performed well this tournament and are confident of causing an upset. Wiegman’s side have been dominant in the group stage, winning all their matches, so the pressure will be on to perform in this match.
England vs. Nigeria will definitely prove to be an intriguing battle on the pitch and one that could easily go either way. The presence of Keira Walsh, now fully recovered from a knee injury, will no doubt make a huge difference to the team’s chances of success. With the support of the fans, England will be sure to put in an impressive display.