England star Keira Walsh fires warning and confirms 'massive boost' ahead of Australia showdown
England star Keira Walsh has fired a warning to Australia ahead of Women's World Cup clash
PA
England star Keira Walsh has warned Australia that the Lionesses are 'ready to fight' as they look to make the final of the Women's World Cup.
It's been a positive tournament for Sarina Wiegman's side so far, with the European champions winning all five of their matches.
And Walsh has claimed England are ready to fight, despite Australia being set to have the backing of the majority of fans inside the stadium in Sydney.
She said: "The girls are ready to fight. The Nigeria and Colombia games weren't easy, we were not always on top.
England star Keira Walsh is excited about Australia Women's World Cup clash
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"The girls are very award of what the game is gang to be like, what the stadium is going to be like. We're more than ready for it."
She continued: "Whatever game I play I want to win, it doesn't matter who you are playing against. We aren't thinking about spoiling the party.
"We are fully focused on reaching the World Cup final."
Leah Williamson has jetted out to Australia in recent days.
The 26-year-old was in attendance on Saturday as England fought their way past Colombia to make the last four.
And Walsh believes Williamson's decision to attend the competition, despite being injured, gives England a 'massive boost'.
"It's a massive boost," continued the Barcelona star.
"The first time I saw her she was outside my hotel window waving. She didn't want to distract us on game day. It was nice to get the win and celebrate after.
"I think it's not easy for her to watch, she would have wanted to be playing, so we appreciate her support.
"It shows what a good character she is to be able to that for us.
"For the team to see her supporting, it's the other side of the world, it's not an easy flight and that shows what she feels about this team."
Walsh also believes Wiegman's cool character has helped England evolve. She hailed the 53-year-old by saying: "She is pretty relaxed and is always very logical.
"She has a clear plan and vision of how she wants things to go.
"Even when we're under pressure, she never shows it and that can calm you on the pitch.
"She has her family here and creates a family feel. She gives us an extra push on the pitch when we've been under pressure."
And Walsh also believes the pressure is all on Australia - and not England - as the contest creeps closer.
"The pressure is on Australia, that is a different thing to cope with. But they are a great team, whether they feel the pressure or not," she said.
"The way they play they don't look like they feel it.
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England star Leira Walsh says Leah Williamson's attendance is a 'massive boost' ahead of Australia contest
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"They are very physical and we have to be ready for that. It's just about going in confident and playing on the front foot."
On the rivalry between England and Australia, she said: "The media do talk a lot but for us it's not about Australia, we want to win regardless.
"There's a rivalry in any team, it doesn't make any of a difference if the media is talking about beating England."
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