KEIRA WALSH has been pictured on crutches after being stretchered off in tears in a major blow for England.
The Lionesses midfielder went down ten minutes before half-time in the Women’s World Cup clash with Denmark.
Walsh, 26, stuck her right leg out to try to intercept the ball but her foot appeared to get stuck in the turf as she crumpled down in pain and immediately waved for treatment.
The Euros champion pushed away concerned team-mates then made a signal to show the damage was serious and appeared to tell the physio: “I’ve done my knee.”
And that could prove a massive hit for England’s World Cup hopes with the influential midfielder’s tournament potentially in tatters.
Lucy Bronze and Georgia Stanway ran over to support the star who was visibly emotional, burying her head in her arm.
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The heartbroken Barcelona star was given a rousing reception as she was carried off the field with her face covered by her shirt.
Walsh is considered one of the best footballers on the planet and moved to Spain for a world-record £400,000 transfer fee last year after eight trophy-laden seasons with Manchester City.
Former England striker Ellen White said: “I’m devasted for her to be honest. She’s been one of the best if not the best player for England.
“It looks bad. She knows straight away it’s not good. Who is going to replace her? We need balance, someone needs to be in that No6 to sit and hold.”
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Fara Williams replied on BBC TV: “The more you see it, the worse it looks.
“We are not medics but you know it’s serious. Much of our good stuff in the Euros and friendlies ahead of the World Cup comes through her.
“We need some discipline in that midfield.”
Former England defender Gilly Flaherty said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “You feel sick at the thought it could potentially be another ACL.”
And BBC reporter Emma Sanders added: “Keira Walsh being taken off on a stretcher is arguably the worst sight England fans could have seen.
“When the stretcher goes past Sarina Wiegman she quickly gives instructions to substitute Laura Coombs then has a quick word with Walsh, stroking her head on her way past.
“England are already missing captain Leah Williamson and Ballon d’Or runner-up Beth Mead with ACL injuries. Fran Kirby also isn’t here through injury. That’s some serious talent.”
Manchester City’s Laura Coombs came on to replace Walsh in midfield with the England bench and fans stunned into silence.
England led 1-0 at the time thanks to Lauren James’ early stunner.
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The Chelsea star struck a curling effort into the back of the net with just six minutes on the clock after being brought into the starting XI by boss Sarina Wiegman.
England went on to win the nervy encounter 1-0, making it two triumphs out of two at this summer’s World Cup.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
