Keira Walsh Celebrates Milestone as Lionesses Face Spain at Wembley
England midfielder Keira Walsh is poised to make her 100th appearance for the national team against world champions Spain at Wembley. The 29-year-old has become a cornerstone of Sarina Wiegman's squad, contributing to back-to-back European titles. Walsh might take the captain's armband on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT, especially with Leah Williamson's fitness in question. Reflecting on her journey, Walsh said, "It's a really proud moment for me and my family. I don't really like the attention being on me, so I try to focus on the game and forget everything else." Her debut came in November 2017 in front of fewer than 10,000 fans during a 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan at Colchester Community Stadium. Now, as she approaches her milestone match, Walsh notes the contrast: "Tomorrow there will be 75,000 people at Wembley, and we're playing against one of the best teams in the world. That shows the growth of the women's game." Since her debut, Walsh has showcased her talent and leadership, earning the captaincy by her seventh appearance in 2018. She was named player of the match in the Euro 2022 final, assisting Ella Toone's opening goal. Known for her technical skills and passing range, Walsh has been a consistent presence in major tournaments, missing only one game at the 2023 World Cup due to injury. Sarina Wiegman praised Walsh's tactical understanding and vision, stating, "She is an important player in leading the team in how we want to play. That's crucial." Walsh's recognition includes being awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours list for 2026, marking her significant impact on the sport.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-13