England given World Cup knockout clash boost with Keira Walsh’s return to team training following injury

KEIRA WALSH has given England a fitness boost by returning to team training earlier today before their World Cup clash with Nigeria on Monday. 

This comes two days after the Barcelona midfielder was spotted training alone for the first time since her injury scare last Friday.

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Keira Walsh was all smiles at England’s training session ahead of their World Cup last-16 clash with Nigeria[/caption]

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Walsh returned to training with her team-mates for the first time since being stretchered off after injuring her knee during England’s defeat of Denmark[/caption]

Her ongoing recovery will come as welcome news to Lionesses fans with her side aiming to claim a quarter final spot in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. 

Walsh, 28, has stepped up her rehab since damaging her knee during the Lionesses’ World Cup group stage defeat of Denmark 

The England ace has been out of match action since being stretchered close to half time of that match on July 28. 

Earlier this week the FA revealed the midfielder, who missed her side’s 6-1 demolition of China on Tuesday, had been put on an individual training programme. 

And she was seen at the Lionesses’ Central Coast Stadium training base on Friday for the first time since officials confirmed she had not sustained an ACL injury. 

It is not yet known whether Walsh will feature for England in their last-16 duel against Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium at 08:30 UK time. 

Their clash with the 11-time Women’s African Cup of Nations champs will be one of the sternest tests they have faced this year. 

The Super Falcons have already proven they are a match for teams inside Fifa’s top ten.

Their group stage run saw them beat tournament co-hosts Australia and snatch a draw with Canada. 

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Nigeria aces Ashleigh Plumptre and Glory Ogbonna will be aiming to help the Super Falcons reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time ever[/caption]

Following Germany’s shock exit the Lionesses’ will be wary of becoming the latest football giants undone at the tournament. 

Wiegman’s side, who conceded just once in the World Cup’s group stages, have emerged as firm contenders to lift the trophy. 

On Friday forecasting research firm Nielsen revealed England have now overtaken the USA as favourites to go all the way in this year’s contest.