England’s Keira Walsh reveals David Silva influence ahead of Euro 2022 showdown with Spain
- Seb Sternik
- 19 July 2022
England are preparing to take on Spain in the European Championship quarter-final, with Keira Walsh admitting she was influenced by Barcelona and La Liga.
The England and Manchester City star described David Silva, who spent 10 years at the club after helping Spain to World Cup glory, as her favourite player.
Speaking ahead of the blockbuster clash against Spain at the Amex Stadium, the 25-year-old said: "I've definitely grown up with watching the Spanish players.
"My dad definitely tried to influence a bit of that in my game - I'm not sure whether he has!
"My dad's just a massive football fan, he did always have games on, a lot of it was watching Barcelona and LaLiga, and when City were playing, he used to make me sit next to him and would be like, 'Watch how David Silva's playing, how they make their movements and are checking their shoulders'… that sort of thing.
"In that sense he always made me watch football, and I think that's kind of how I'm able to see the game the way I do now, because of that influence really."
Spain may be above England in the world rankings, but the team have a number of high-profile injury issues, including the absence of Ballon d'Or holder Alexia Putellas.
This is a @keira_walsh appreciation post 🙌
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) July 13, 2022
The best midfielder at #WEURO222 so far ❓#BarclaysWSL @ManCityWomen pic.twitter.com/X8PAPWDRZb
Ahead of the tournament, the Spaniards were priced as favourites to go all the way. Nonetheless, they enter this quarter-final clash having finished second in the group following their defeat to Germany.
Walsh said: "There's a lot to admire about the Spanish team - the way they move the ball and their movement off the ball. We'd be stupid not to have respect for that. Barcelona Women, again - watching them, they're incredible.
"But I play with incredible players day in, day out, and I think for us it's just about doing what we've been doing and focusing on us.
"We're obviously going to be aware of what they can bring, but for us it's just all about us, just enjoying the game and having a real positive attitude towards it."
Walsh has played every minute of England's campaign so far, in which Sarina Wiegman's side have beaten Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland 1-0, 8-0 and 5-0 respectively.
