Keira Walsh could be available for England against Nigeria after injury

Keira Walsh could return to the England team as soon as Monday's last 16 World Cup clash with Nigeria after returning to training, with staff to monitor show she recovers from the session.

Walsh had suffered a concerning knee injury duing the group stage clash with Denmark, initially triggering fears that it could be ACL-related - thankfully, scans quickly showed it wasn't. The midfielder remained with the squad with the hope that she would recover in time to play again.

Now, after Sunday's boost, that could come as soon as the first knockout round, having only missed England's 6-1 thrashing of China in the final group game.

"She's doing well," Sarina Wiegman said. "She started her rehab straight after we knew what was going on. "She has been on the pitch; she has trained. Now, we'll wait till how she recovers from that training session, and if she does well, then she's available [on Monday]."

If Walsh is deemed fit, she will be available for selection and to play. The situation is black and white, as far as Wiegman is concerned.

"After the assessment, we really knew what was going on. And, then we got the green light to get rehab started. The day after, we noticed that things weren't as bad. It looked bad, but as people thought," Wiegman explained.

In Walsh's absence, Wiegman opted to change formation, moving to a back three with two up top.

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With Walsh potentially back in the side, Wiegman how has a decision to make, whether to stick to the system that was so effective against China or revert back to the formation built around Walsh's midfield skills that underpinned the Lionesses' journey to Euro 2022 glory.

"We have two options now," Wiegman said. "The way we played and what we did against China, we have considered that."

"Of course, we want every player to be fit and available for the next match. And Keira wasn't available last match, and we know, what options we have in that position. I think Katie [Zelem] did really well, in the game against China, and now Keira's back, which is really nice for the team too," she continued.

Ahead of Nigeria, Wiegman is expecting a tough game against the highest-ranked African nation, praising their athleticism, pace and physicality but insists that England have will not be complacent against the Super Falcons.

"I think what we've seen in this tournament that nothing is easy, the growth of the game is shown in this tournament. I think we haven't had any easy game at all, and we don't expect an easy game," she said. "It's going to be very competitive and we have to be at our best."