England vs Nigeria: Wiegman says Walsh could play in World Cup last-16 match

Sarina Wiegman has revealed Keira Walsh could make a surprise return from injury when England take on Nigeria in their Women's World Cup last-16 match against Nigeria on Monday.

Walsh suffered what appeared to be a serious knee issue during England's win against Denmark on July 28, sparking fears that she was the latest women's player to have suffered an ACL injury.

However, after sitting out the thrashing of China on Tuesday, Walsh has already returned to team training and could face Nigeria in Brisbane if she responds well to treatment, said Wiegman.

"She's doing well," the manager said of Walsh. "She started her rehab straight after we knew what was going on.

"She has been on the pitch training today so now we will wait to see how she recovers.

"If she does well then she will be available for tomorrow."

The early elimination of Germany and Brazil, as well as England's stunning performance against China, have seen Wiegman's side tipped by many as likely winners of the Women's World Cup.

However, the manager - who reached the final of the competition with the Netherlands in 2019 - responded emphatically to any suggestions of complacency creeping into camp.

"Absolutely not," she said. "What we have seen in this tournament is that nothing is easy. The growth of the game is shown in this tournament.

"We haven't had any easy games at all and we don't expect an easy game tomorrow. It's going to be very competitive and we have to be at our best."

Nigeria impressively navigated their way out of a group containing co-hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada and Wiegman is aware of the danger Africa's highest-ranked side pose.

"There are a couple of threats from Nigeria," said the England boss. "They have done really well in the group stage.

"On the counter attack they are really dangerous. They are quick and pretty physical, so those are things we have to be aware of."

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What is the schedule?

The round of 16 takes place from August 5 to August 8, with eight games being played across Australia and New Zealand.

The quarter-finals, which will be held in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney, are scheduled for August 11 and 12.

The first semi-final will then be played on August 15 in Auckland, with the other semi-final taking place on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, which will then host the final on August 20.

A third-place play-off will be played the day before the final on August 19 in Brisbane.