Talking Tactics: How Wiegman can fill void left by Walsh injury

England tasted another victory on Friday but it came accompanied by a bitter blow to their Women's World Cup hopes. 

Midfielder Keira Walsh picked up a blow to her knee in the first half of the Lionesses' 1-0 win against Denmark and will continue to be assessed after confirmation came through that she had avoided an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

She went down in the 38th minute and having signalled to the bench was stretchered off. 

Ahead of Tuesday's final group game against China, we examine how manager Sarina Wiegman will look to replace the Barcelona ace and her other tactical dilemmas. 

Midfield void

Walsh is the controlling force in midfield from her deep-lying role in England's 4-3-3. 

The 26-year-old provides defensive protection, while also dictating the tempo of the game. 

And the playmaker's former England and Manchester City team-mate Ellen White summed up the problem that now faces the Lionesses. 

White said: "I'm just devastated for Keira. She has been one of the best, if not the best player, in this England side. 

"It looks bad. You saw as soon as it happened she knew that it didn't look good. 

"She is a big miss. Who is going to fill that void now for England?" 

Formation change

Without Walsh anchoring Wiegman's midfield three, Denmark took control of the match in the second half and came close to finding an equaliser. 

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall, who was on television pundit duties, gave his thoughts on how the Lionesses could proceed without their star player. 

He said: "I think England cannot play with only one No6 any more. 

"They need to play with two No6s, to prevent that space better. What Keira can do alone, no other player in this squad can do alone." 

If Eidevall is right, there could be a change in formation from Wiegman for the upcoming match against China. 

Without Walsh at the base allowing two midfielders to get forward, the 4-3-3 may need to shift into a 4-2-3-1 formation, offering more defensive protection. 

Changes work

Wiegman made two changes after a lacklustre performance in the opening game against Haiti, in which the Lionesses scraped a 1-0 win. 

Last season's Women's Super League top scorer Rachel Daly was restored to the left-back role that she occupied during the Euro 2022 triumph. 

On the same flank, winger Lauren James was also brought into the team. 

The two newcomers combined when Daly fed the ball to the Chelsea forward, who skipped through the Danish defence before curling a long-range shot past goalkeeper Lene Christensen.

While Wiegman's first World Cup changes proved to be a success, she now has a much bigger challenge in replacing Walsh. 

Russo drought

Without Walsh, England might not be able to rely on repeating the tight victories that they have so far produced in this tournament. 

James' goal was only the second scored by the Lionesses Down Under and the first in open play. 

Striker Alessia Russo has failed to net for her country in any of her last seven appearances. 

With Daly at left-back, the Arsenal forward was replaced by Bethany England in the second half. 

The 29-year-old scored 14 WSL goals last season and if Russo's drought continues, either England or Daly may be handed the chance to impress in the final third.