Walsh admitted being worried about injury 'every time I go on the pitch'

Keira Walsh admitted that concerns about workload made her worried about injuries during every game, weeks before being stretchered off at the World Cup.

The Lionesses and Barcelona midfielder was stretchered off during England's group stage game against Denmark in Sydney on Friday, mouthing 'I've done my knee'.

There are raised fears that Walsh has become the latest star to join a long list of female football players to suffer an ACL problem.

While women's football grows, and there are increased demands on the players in terms of top-level fixtures, there is not the same resources in the game that are provided to their male counterparts.

As reported by The Independent in advance of the World Cup, Walsh told PA: 'I think there is a massive worry.

'Look at the resources the men have as well, I don’t think that’s available to us and we are being asked to play close to what they play in a season now without the kind of resources behind it.

'The medical teams, they work so hard but it’s impossible to keep everybody fresh all the time and we’re playing so many games and I think – with the introduction of the Nations League as well – it’s going to be difficult and you see how many ACL injuries there have been and how many players are getting injured.

'I would be lying if I say it’s not a worry for me every time I go on the pitch that I’m going to get injured next.

'More growth, more investment – that’s what we want. It’s what fans of women’s football have been calling for – but it can’t be at the detriment to player’s health – not just physical health but mental health is really important as well.'

England captain Leah Williamson and Euro 2022 golden boot winner Beth Mead are both absent from the World Cup with serious knee injuries.

Former Manchester City and Blackburn player Walsh made her England debut in 2017, and has represented her country on over 60 occasions.

Walsh, who has played the most minutes of any England player since last year's Euros success, was replaced in the 38th minute by Laura Coombs.