Walsh hopes England do injured team-mates proud in World Cup final

Keira Walsh vowed England are determined to honour their injured team-mates and "get the job done" when they face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final.

This is the furthest the Lionesses have ever advanced in a global showpiece, with Wednesday's 3-1 semi-final victory over co-hosts Australia assuring them of at least one place higher than the bronze medal achieved eight years ago in Canada.

England have reached this unprecedented stage without Euro 2022-winning captain Leah Williamson, that tournament's Golden Boot winner Beth Mead and one of the game's most creative attackers in Fran Kirby, all of whom were ruled out of this event with knee injuries. 

Walsh said: "I think it is difficult for them. Obviously when you think about it, they would want nothing more than to be here. It is probably a bit bittersweet. They want us to win and we would want them to be here as well. Leah, Beth and Fran have been really supportive.

"They have messaged after every game. For us, hopefully we can get the job done on Sunday and make them proud of us. I think you are obviously a little bit nervous, but it's a World Cup final. I think you have just got to enjoy the moment.

"Leah texted me and Georgia (Stanway) and she said 'just enjoy it. It's not every day you are playing in the semi-final of a World Cup.' It will be the same on Sunday."

The PA news agency understands Williamson plans to attend the final, while Mead and Kirby will continue their recovery in England.

Barcelona knowledge

Walsh will be well-acquainted with multiple members of the Spain squad. Nine of them play with her and team-mate Lucy Bronze at Barcelona, who won the Champions League final in June.

Asked if that might mean Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman could be turning to her for advice, Walsh replied: "I imagine so, I think she will. But then the girls know about me and Lucy, so it works both ways.

"The Barca girls are obviously unbelievable players and I am sure whatever I say, they will probably come up with something different because they are very special players. But we have got full belief in ourselves and what we can do. Looking forward to it."