Georgia Stanway prepares to ‘give the beans’ for the Lionesses as the midfielder steps into the shoes of best friend and teammate Keira Walsh…as England look for a perfect World Cup group stage campaign against China
- Georgia Stanway is ready for more defensive responsibility against China
- Stanway is ready to perform in the absence of the injured Keira Walsh
- The 24-year-old also admitted she is deliberately working on getting another yellow card
Georgia Stanway couldn’t have looked happier. She will have to do without her midfield partner and best friend Keira Walsh when England face China on Tuesday. She may have to miss her for the rest of this World Cup.
The extent of the knee injury that Walsh sustained against Denmark is still unknown, but it is certain that she will not play on Tuesday.
That means a shift in position for Stanway, who will play in the No. 6 role Walsh vacated. She will need more defensive discipline and it’s up to her to be the link between defense and offense.
But Stanway, 24, is not phased. There was no sense of doom and gloom as she answered questions on Monday. She’s ready to step up in Walsh’s absence and, in her own words, “give the beans.”
“I woke up this morning feeling a lot more grown up!” joked a relaxed Stanway Monday.
Georgia Stanway is ready to take on more defensive responsibility when England face China
Keira Walsh’s injury puts more pressure on Stanway to perform
“I’ve created a bit of a leadership role by the way I play. I’m very confident in my own game and I’ve been consistent at the European Championships, so I’m trying to keep that momentum going.
“I feel I have proven my leadership in the way I play and lead by example. I am also not afraid to communicate so I will try to do the two jobs.
“When you go to a World Cup you have absolutely everything to play for. You want to give it the beans and show up. You want to put in your best performance. ‘
Stanway picked up a yellow card in England’s first game and another on Tuesday night would rule her out of the last 16 games. While the midfielder has a reputation for bookings – with eight in 21 appearances for Bayern Munich last season. However, Stanway played 65 minutes of the European Championship final on a yellow card and knows she needs to be careful in tonight’s game and any last 16 matches.
‘Of course I am aware (of the booking). I played 45 minutes in the first game and 90 minutes in the second game, so I’m sure I can last many more minutes without getting a yellow card.
‘Recently against Denmark. My role was mainly defensive. I have to make sure I cover the back four and I’m disciplined. I just have to stay upright and make sure there are players in front of me.’
Stanway has known Walsh since she was a teenager after coming through the ranks at Blackburn before later playing together at Manchester City. The defensive midfield role isn’t entirely new to Stanway, but Walsh has spoken some words of wisdom.
“I think it’s just for me to put that discipline element into the game, knowing I don’t have to run all the time to help with the attack,” Stanway said of her change of position.
“It’s just knowing that I have to protect the back four as well. That position is self-evident for me because I played it a bit at club. I’ve played alongside Keira (Walsh) who is the best teacher without knowing it. Going into (Tuesday), it’s about communicating in the middle of the field.
“I speak to Keira 24/7. To be honest it’s about 10 minutes of football related stuff and the rest is just rubbish. I’m sure she’ll give me some tips and I’m sure the message will be to perform in the game. She has faith in everyone who will be on the field.’
England manager Sarina Wiegman would not comment further on whether Walsh will return later in the tournament, insisting her team is strong enough to continue without her.
“I think we have a strong enough team, I think we want to be at our best every game. We know she’s unavailable. We have a group of 23, so now we have a group of 22, we have our solutions and we will show that tomorrow.
Stanway admits she is aware another yellow card would rule her out of the last 16 games
Sarina Wiegman does not want to comment further on whether Walsh can still participate in the tournament
“We’re here to move on. It’s part of sport and it’s not fun, but you have to go ahead and adapt to the new situation and find a way to get 11 players on the field who we think can win the game. That’s what we do all the time.’
Should England get the point they need to top their group, they will avoid a last 16 clash with Australia and face Nigeria instead.
It looked like the Lionesses were on a collision course with the Matildas, but their 4-0 victory over Canada and Nigeria’s draw with the Republic of Ireland meant the co-hosts finished in first place.
Australia’s win came courtesy of a brace from Hayley Raso and further goals from Mary Fowler and Steph Catley. Sam Kerr was fit enough to be named on the bench after missing the opening two group matches but took no chances.