England midfielder Keira Walsh hopes that the Lionesses will continue to inspire as the UK officially submits a bid to host the 2035 World Cup.
As the Lionesses prepare for their final two games of a momentous year, Walsh and manager Sarina Wiegman spoke to the media about the team’s legacy and the growth of the women’s game, balanced, of course, with the more immediate challenges in front of them.
The UK is currently the only bidder for the tournament in 2035, with 15 cities and 22 stadiums across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland proposed. While there are no guarantees, the prospect of hosting the largest single-sport event in the UK is, of course, incredibly exciting for the generations to come.
“If I look back to 2022, the opportunity we had to play in front of a home crowd was incredible,” Walsh reflected on her fond memories of Euro 2022 on home soil. “I think for the younger generation in the UK to have the opportunity, it would be really, really special and to inspire even more young girls and boys to watch women’s football and get involved.”
Walsh and Wiegman positive about ‘opportunity’ and ‘growth’ in the women’s game
Despite some controversy this week surrounding WSL Football (the governing body for the WSL and WSL2) and subsequent questions about where the women’s game is headed, there’s certainly a real optimism in the England camp about the future.
It was announced last week that the FA’s objective for 90% of schools to offer girls equal access to football through PE lessons has been achieved 3 years early. As part of the squad that addressed an open letter to the Government requesting policy change following their win at 2022 Euros, Walsh reflected on what this achievement meant.
“That was one of the key things for us as a team we set out in 2022, aside from winning the tournament,” Walsh said. “When I think back to being in primary school, I was maybe one of two girls who joined in playing football, and I think just for those girls to have the opportunity, that’s incredible.
“They don’t need to be the next Lioness or even the next professional footballer, but I just think for us, we wanted them to have the chance to enjoy the sport that we love and have the chance to play. That’s a really special moment for us that it’s been achieved.”
Wiegman also reflected on the growth of the game and where women’s football might be come the 2035 World Cup, but also acknowledged there’s still work to be done.
“What I’ve very much enjoyed over the last 10 or 20 years is the growth”, the head coach said. “I would never have dreamt that we would be where we are now, but we still have a long way to go too. I hope we keep making the right decisions and keep it player-centred, but this opportunity in 10 years’ time and what it will bring, and how it will boost, that’s going to be really exciting.”
Walsh enjoying having “a bit more responsibility” in Lionesses camp
With captain Leah Williamson still recovering from injury, Walsh wore the armband for both games in the previous block, and although the 28-year-old joked she “couldn’t assume” she’d be wearing it again against China, leadership is something she’s worked on, and come to enjoy.
“I think it’s a natural progression as you get older,” the midfielder said. “It doesn’t change who I am as a person or how I play. It’s sometimes nice to have a little bit more responsibility.
“Leah is obviously captain and she does an incredible job at that. I do try to lead in a bit of a different way. I think I’m a bit quieter, certainly off the pitch. When I was younger, Sarina’s had to tell me a few times to get involved in conversations a little bit more and try and share my experiences, but I think on the pitch it’s a bit easier.
“I like to talk tactics and try and maybe have more one-to-one conversations with the younger girls rather than doing it in a big group. I try and lead in how I play and my consistency.”
Wiegman relishes opportunity to “experiment”
Although the team has an eye on the future and its legacy, the focus is still very much on preparations for the coming World Cup, and Wiegman is viewing the game against China as another opportunity to “experiment a little bit, see many players, and try out things”.
With injuries still impacting Wiegman’s squad selection, there are a few question marks about how much will be driven by experimentation and how much by necessity. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is unavailable due to a quad injury, so there’s a possibility another England keeper will be getting their first senior cap, if Khiara Keating doesn’t retain her spot. It’ll also be the first time in Wiegman’s tenure that at least one of defensive stalwarts Williamson, Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter and Millie Bright will not be available, so although there has been rotation in recent blocks, it may very well feel like a new-look defence for the Lionesses.
The Dutchwoman is relaxed about this though, again stressing the “opportunity for players to show themselves.”
“I think it is important to put on a strong performance, but I think for us as a group, it’s probably more important to try things and see how things are going to work.”
England vs China kicks off at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 29th November at 5:30pm. It will be available to watch live on ITV1 and ITVX.
