KEIRA WALSH’S knee injury heartbreak cast a shadow over England’s 1-0 defeat of Denmark – dealing a fresh fitness blow to the World Cup chasers.
In a clash that saw Lauren James reward Sarina Wiegman’s faith with a wonder goal – the world’s most expensive female player was stretchered off.
Walsh was seen clutching her knee and looking in considerable pain after going over on it while attempting to halt a Denmark counter
The Lioness appeared to look tearful with Georgia Stanway and her other team-mates looking concerned before she was carried off in the 37th minute.
The midfielder, signed by Barcelona for a £450,000 fee last year, was later spotted on crutches near England’s bench.
The injury to Walsh, who sealed her record-breaking transfer from Manchester City last September, has come at the worst possible time for Wiegman’s squad.
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The team are already without the services of Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby who are all recovering from long-term knee ligament concerns.
It now leaves head coach Wiegman without FOUR of her most trusted and influential players from England’s march to Euros glory last summer.
Before the game, Wiegman faced questions as to whether she would stick or twist with her line-up after her side found themselves pressurised in their Group D opener against Haiti.
The Dutch coach made no changes to her starting elevens at last year’s Euros steering the Lionesses to their first major tournament win.
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Today’s match saw the England chief, whose team face China next, make a minor gamble.
In came James in place of Lauren Hemp on the wing.
But perhaps the biggest surprise was WSL golden boot winner Rachel Daly starting at left-back with Jess Carter dropping to the bench.
However Wiegman’s gamble paid off with James opening her World Cup tournament goals account in fine style.
The Chelsea starlet drove past her marker before unleashing a curled stunner from distance after Daly’s assist in the sixth minute.
James came close to doubling England’s lead with a flicked effort before Denmark almost levelled.
Pernille Harder’s low shot prompted a comfortable save from Mary Earps with half an hour gone after Lucy Bronze’s stray pass.
Then disaster struck for England with Walsh hurting her knee after attempting to stop a misplaced James pass reaching a Danish player.
The sight of her being stretchered off close to half-time soured the atmosphere in the stadium before Laura Coombs came on in her place.
The second spell saw Ella Toone fire an effort over the bar in the 48th minute.
This was moments before Alex Greenwood’s well-timed interception stopped Denmark going through on goal after Millie Bright’s loose pass.
Arsenal’s Kathrine Kuhl saw a flicked effort comfortably claimed by Earps moments later.
However, England almost saw their lead disappear before bagging three points.
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Amalie Vansgaard’s header hit the post in the closing minutes before Wiegman’s battlers saw out the win.
A draw between Haiti and China later – or a victory for the latter – will see England reach the World Cup’s last 16.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
