Ready to roar! England fans hit the pubs before clash with China

England fans are lining up to hit the pubs today ahead of their final World Cup group game match against China, which they face playing without key squad member Keira Walsh.

Supporters of the Lionesses were getting the pints in hours ahead of the match in Australia on Tuesday, which kicks off at 12pm UK time, but those who made the long journey across the world were packing into pubs before a long night of football.

England flags, posters and even hair cuts were spotted in local pubs ahead of the clash at the Hindmarsh stadium in Adelaide, with two early wins for the team putting fans in high spirits.

The Lionesses beat Haiti and Denmark in their opening group games, although faced a potentially vital loss after midfielder Keira Walsh went down with a knee injury early in the second match.

But after it was confirmed she had not ruptured her ACL and that Georgia Stanway would be taking over the role in today’s match, fans seemed more upbeat in Adelaide on Tuesday.

An ACL rupture is one of the worst injuries a player can receive and had already ruled out Beth Mead and Lucy Williamson from the World Cup squad after their dominant presence in the Euros.

Walsh crumpled to the floor in the 38th minute of the clash with Denmark after her studs caught in the turf. 

The midfielder was clearly ion agony as she gestured towards the bench, mouthing the words ‘I’ve done my knee’ to England’s medical staff, before leaving the pitch in tears on a stretcher.

But following a scan, it was confirmed that the injury was not as bad as first feared although she must rest during England’s final group game against China on Tuesday.

Walsh was seen as a key player with vital experience ahead of the tournament, and appeared in all but four minutes of the Lionesses’ Euros campaign. 

Instead Stanway, 24, will take the reigns of the No 6 shirt, which will require more defensive work and take on the responsibility of being the seamless link between the attacking and defensive team members.

Speaking with reporters on Monday ahead of the game, Stanway said: ‘I think for me it’s just covering that discipline element into the game, knowing I don’t always have to be running to help with the attack.

‘It’s just knowing I need to protect the back four too. That position comes naturally to me because I’ve played it a little bit at club. 

‘I’ve played alongside Keira [Walsh] who is the best teacher without knowing it. Going into (Tuesday) it’s about communicating in the middle of the pitch.

‘I speak to Keira 24/7. To be honest it’s about 10 minutes of football-related stuff and the rest is just rubbish. I’m sure she will be giving me some tips and I’m sure the message will be to perform in the game. She’s got trust in whoever is going to be on the pitch.’

Should England win or draw the match and thus get the point they need to top their group they will avoid a last 16 clash with Australia and instead face Nigeria.

But the loss of Walsh could prove challenging for their opponents too. Previously squads had realised that marking Walsh and preventing her from getting a foot to the ball was a sure way to make England’s game that much harder.

Without her, it remains to be seen whether China will continue the strategy and block Stanway instead, or resort to other game plans.

England are already missing Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Fran Kirby due to injury but losing Walsh for the remainder of the tournament would be a significant blow. The midfielder has missed just two games since October 2021. 

Coach Sarina Wiegman, however, dismissed suggestions that playing without Walsh was a major problem for England. 

And England players were similarly positive.

‘Initially it was heartbreaking, you always fear the worst in those situations,’ Rachel Daly admitted.

‘She’s such a pivotal part of our team on and off the pitch. It’s tough, it’s not nice to see anyone get injured.

‘It’s obviously difficult losing a player of her ability and the quality she brings.’

Daly continued: ‘Obviously things will have to change but it’s a team game and we have to get on with it and ultimately get the job done for Keira as well.

‘I think everyone is in better spirits going into the game knowing that we need to get the job done.

‘I think what you saw on Friday was the resilient side that we had. It was obviously so difficult losing her but we have players to step into that role.

‘No one is going to replace somebody else, everybody brings something different to the role. I think everyone will step up for her.’