Today’s episode of Lionesses: Down Under connected by EE sees Jill Scott and Kyle Walker joined by Keira Walsh to discuss preparations for tomorrow’s quarter-final match against Colombia.
KEIRA WALSH
On her nerves watching England instead of playing:
“It’s always easier being on the pitch than watching. I watched the China game and the early goal was good to settle my nerves. When you’re playing you don’t feel the nerves quite the same, it’s probably a lot worse for people watching. When we went to penalties [against Nigeria], we had the belief that we would win.”
On preparations for the quarter-final against Colombia:
“We’re ready, Colombia are a good team. It’s the quarter-final of the World Cup so everyone is really excited. I’ve played against a few of their players in the Spanish league. Their number 9 plays for Levante, she’s very powerful and quick and doesn’t stop running. For us it’s about focusing on our possession game and trying to play some good football.”
On using her experience from playing in previous quarter-finals:
“It’s massive. Jill [Scott] had played in tournaments before and passed her experience on, and it’s the same for us older players now doing it with the younger ones. Tournament experience is so valuable going forward.”
On the support of England fans in the stadiums:
“When you look round and can see so many England shirts and hear them chanting it really helps in the difficult moments and can push you through.”
On her pre-match superstitions:
“I always have the same pre-match meal before a game. I’ll always tie my left shoelace before my right. And I actually wear my shin pads on the opposite legs, I don’t know why but I’ve always done it.”
On her grassroots journey through the Blackburn Rovers academy:
“It was amazing, I made some best friends for life. Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone were both there too. It’s where I really enjoyed playing football and found my real love for it.”
On her advice for young grassroots players:
“Just enjoy it, that’s when I play my best football. Just going out there and having fun, not overthinking too much about the game. Just go have fun and do what feels good when you’re on the pitch.”
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