Football: Keira Walsh makes World Cup debut

Keira Walsh (left)

Rochdale-born midfielder Keira Walsh made her World Cup debut on Sunday (9 June).

Walsh, 22, who played in the 2-1 win against Scotland, is one of the youngest players in Phil Neville's 23-strong England squad.

England has been drawn against Scotland, Argentina and Japan in Group D.

Their opening match of the tournament in France was watched by 6.1 million viewers on BBC TV, a record for the women’s game. 

Walsh signed her first professional contract with City at the age of 18 in June 2015 and was delighted to put pen to paper on a deal at her childhood club.

One of the country's rising stars, Walsh made her debut for City in a 1-0 win over Notts County Ladies in July 2014. Since then, she has blossomed and has gained international experience at youth level with England.

She became a first-team regular towards the end of the 2014 season and played a key role in the Continental Cup-winning side.

In 2016, she helped City to a league and cup double, also making her Champions League debut and scoring the match winner in a last 16 triumph over Brondby IF.

England's remaining group games are against Argentina at 8pm on Friday (14 June), and Japan on Wednesday (19 June).