Game-Changing Moves: Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze Share their Transformative Journey in Spain and the Women's World Cup

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Following their successful European Championships last summer, England Women players Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze decided to leave Manchester City, a club in the Women's Super League (WSL), and join Barcelona, a dominant force in European football.

Being acknowledged as top performers in their respective positions in women's soccer, Walsh and Bronze have now won the LigaF title and Champions League trophy, further enhancing their collection of achievements.

Content: Walsh acknowledges that her decision to move to Barcelona was motivated by her desire to win the Champions League. However, she acknowledges that this relocation has transformed her perspective on the game, which is a fascinating progression for a player who already shows immense skill in her field.

Furthermore, the 26-year-old midfielder expresses her belief in the resemblances between the Barcelona and England teams. Both have achieved significant victories in recent years, making them comparable in terms of success.

Speaking at a Lionesses media day at St George's Park ahead of the Women's World Cup, Walsh said: "As a player, I think the way that I see the game now [has changed].

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"At City, there was an emphasis on stationary positioning and waiting for the ball, whereas at Barcelona, constant movement is key and the majority of the game revolves around the middle, requiring me to always be a viable option. With England and Man City, the focus is wider and centered on delivering crosses, which differs from Barcelona's style.

"I have improved my fitness and sharpness when it comes to actively seeking the ball. Defensively, Barcelona excels in their street-smart approach compared to other teams, employing tactical fouls and attempting to slow down the game. This is an aspect that I have integrated into my own game, which was not the case before."

"I believe that I am simply more at ease with my playing style. At this point, I may not alter it significantly, but I will strive to enhance my skills. The manner in which I play is intrinsic to who I am, so if individuals appreciate it, that is wonderful, and if they do not, I understand that there is little I can do to change their perspective.

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Barcelona beat Wolfsburg in the Champions League final to lift their second European title

In terms of playing style, I find England's approach to football somewhat similar to Barcelona's, although Barcelona is known for their highly organized structure. They have a specific method of keeping possession, their movements, and their overall strategy.

However, when it comes to the goals and competitiveness that we strive for as a team, I would say that they are quite similar. Additionally, the team spirit and positive vibes are also comparable, but the intensity ramps up during training sessions. Of course, one advantage I have here is being able to communicate in English, whereas I face some limitations in that aspect when playing with Barcelona. All in all, I consider myself extremely fortunate to be a part of both of these teams.

Bronze, too, believes her game has developed during her year in Spain, but perhaps not in the way that some people may expect.

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Lucy Bronze and her Lionesses teammates spoke to the media at St George's Park ahead of the Women's World Cup

At Barcelona, my role as a right-back differs from my previous teams. However, my experience has been unique, contrary to people's expectations. While many believe that I play in the Barcelona style, it is important to note that every player in Barcelona cherishes possession. Hence, the defensive responsibility falls heavily on me, unlike in England.

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"It has provided me with a fresh perspective on football, and I believe Keira shares the same sentiment. Both of us have raised the bar in terms of standards during England training, a level that has never previously been seen. This influence has been brought to our national team camps.

It is not necessarily about the style of play, but rather the anticipation and level of excellence that we expect from teams that have won the Champions League and have played alongside the best players in the world at Barcelona."

'World Cup has different feel to Euros'

Bronze is set to make her third appearance in the World Cup, and she asserts that the experience significantly contrasts with that of the European Championships, even for those who were members of the team last summer.

She stated, "A World Cup carries a distinct ambiance compared to the Euros, and having the Euros take place in our own country was an entirely novel experience for me."

"The upcoming trip to Australia for the girls who haven't participated in a World Cup, including those who were at the Euros, will undoubtedly provide a true taste of what a World Cup truly feels like."

"I believe that we could have retained a significantly larger number of players from the Euros. However, it is important to acknowledge that there would still have been individuals who lack experience when it comes to participating in World Cups. Personally, one of the most exhilarating highlights in my professional journey was being part of a World Cup."

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Lucy Bronze in action during the 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat to the USA

Looking back on the loss in the semi-finals, Bronze remarked, "What set us apart from the US in that match was a VAR ruling and a penalty stop. It's astonishing to think that two occurrences made all the difference in such a fiercely contested game.

"At that moment, I genuinely believe there was no discernible disparity between our teams. They simply had a remarkable run in the tournament, much like our success in the Euros. This is often how World Cups and Euros unfold – the team in peak condition tends to hold a slight advantage."

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"Last year, we believed that we were superior to every team in Europe, and the USA has also proven their dominance in many previous tournaments. It will be difficult to predict the outcome before the tournament begins, but early on, we will be able to identify who is in good form. It won't just be the USA and us that will be the topic of discussion, as teams like France and Australia will also receive significant attention."

During the 2019 World Cup, Walsh faced a challenging period. She received criticism for her early performances, but her presence in the team was maintained by Phil Neville, the then-manager, who continued to place his trust in her.

Content: When asked about her preparations for another World Cup after her previous experience, she mentioned that she doesn't use social media as much anymore.

"I believe it was a significant moment for me, despite claiming not to pay attention, I couldn't help but look. When you find yourself in that state of mind, whether it's positive or negative, you tend to hold on to the negative remarks.

"Over time, I have gained more self-assurance, realizing that in football, people will either adore you or detest you. It's a game of differing viewpoints, and I gradually came to understand this as I grew older.

The opinions that hold significance are those of Sarina and my team-mates. The key is to have trust in them and believe in what they say. During the Euros, I derived great pleasure from staying present in the moment, and that is precisely what I aim to do at the World Cup. Additionally, I intend to utilize my past experiences, derive enjoyment from them, and have a wonderful time.

What is the World Cup schedule?

Following the preliminary stage, the quarter-finals are slated to take place on August 11 and 12, with the match venues set in Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, and Sydney.

The initial semi-final is scheduled for August 15 in Auckland, followed by the second semi-final on August 16 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney. The final match will also be held at the Accor Stadium on August 20. A third-place play-off is set to take place in Brisbane on August 19, a day before the final.