The 2023 Women’s World Cup is in full swing, and these daily files will give you the latest reporting from around the tournament as well as betting lines, what-to-watch-for information and best reads. Check in with ESPN throughout the tournament as we bring you the latest from Australia and New Zealand.
The lead: Walsh injury sours England win over Denmark
SYDNEY, Australia — England have one foot in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 win over Denmark, but the victory was tainted after midfielder Keira Walsh was stretchered off with what looked like a knee injury in the first half.
Walsh is regarded as one of the finest players in world football and is irreplaceable. If the injury is serious, it will come as a huge blow for England’s hopes of winning the World Cup. Up until that injury in the 35th minute, the narrative looked like it was going centre on Lauren James, who scored a wonderful goal just six minutes into the match. It was England’s first goal in open play for 343 minutes and was an immediate return on the changes Sarina Wiegman made from the team that defeated Haiti 1-0.
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Wiegman (who kept the same starting XI throughout the successful 2022 European Championship campaign) made two alterations, with James starting on the left wing, Rachel Daly at left-back, and Alex Greenwood alongside Millie Bright in the centre. It gave England more attacking intent, but Walsh’s injury changed the momentum of the match.
Denmark had chances as they picked holes in England’s defence and had enough opportunities to get something out of the game, no more so than Amalie Vangsgaard‘s late chance which she headed on to the post from close range.
For England — again — it’s a case of job done, but it was a far-from-convincing win and Walsh’s injury is a major setback. — Tom Hamilton
