Alessio Russo reveals Keira Walsh's unseen role despite knee injury

Sarina Wiegman's side's World Cup hopes were thrown into disarray as the world's most expensive women's player went down in serious pain in the 1-0 win over Denmark.

The midfielder was stretchered off in tears and then spotted in crutches in the aftermath.

But after originally worrying it was another Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury, with so many England stars already missing the tournament due to the same issue, fans were relieved to hear Walsh injury wasn't as bad as feared.

And Walsh's role in the Lionesses' World Cup run hasn't stopped while she's been going through her individual rehabilitation programme.

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"She's a great teammate to have, obviously on the pitch, but also in an around the girls," she told talkSPORT.

"She is always bringing the banter. She's in really good spirits and she's always a joy to be around."

England face Nigeria in the round of 16 on Monday, and despite heading into the knockout stages coming off the back of a 6-1 win over China, the Lionesses will be sweating over Walsh's fitness.

But regardless of Walsh's availability, Russo knows how much of a test the Super Falcons - who beat tournament hosts Australia in the group stage - will be.

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"We know on paper they've probably come out of the toughest group, and come out on top, so it'll be a really big test," she said.

"We'll be ready and prepared but like I said, in this tournament you literally can't take anything for granted.

"Yeah, I'm excited for it."