Football: England Women thrash Norway to land a spot in the World Cup semi-finals

Keira Walsh (left)

Rochdale-born midfielder Keira Walsh and the rest of the England Women’s football team are one game away from a first Women's World Cup final appearance after beating Norway 3-0 on Thursday (27 June).

The Lionesses have landed a coveted World Cup semi-final spot in Lyon after goals were scored by Jill Scott, Ellen White and Lucy Bronze.

England will play the USA or France in the semi-final on Tuesday (2 July).

England’s opening match of the tournament in France – Walsh’s World Cup debut – was watched by 6.1 million viewers on BBC TV, a record for the women’s game. 

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/128434/football-keira-walsh-makes-world-cup-debut

Walsh, 22, is one of the youngest players in Phil Neville's 23-strong England squad.

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.