Interview: Keira Walsh

Just six weeks after England's unforgettable victory, Rochdale's own Lioness Keira Walsh is now the world's most expensive women's footballer, following a record-breaking transfer from Manchester City to FC Barcelona.

Born and raised in Rochdale, Keira attended Healey Primary School, Haslingden High School and Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School Sixth Form. She began playing football with Pearson Juniors and Samba Stars, before progressing to Blackburn Rovers and signing professionally with her childhood idols Manchester City, in 2014.

It was the pass from Keira that set up England’s first goal scored by Ella Toone in the Euro 2022 Wembley final, and as the match ended in an historic victory for England, Keira was named Player of the Match.

Style caught up with Keira to reflect on an incredible summer and where it all began...

Style: What age did you begin playing and where did you first start out?

Keira: I began playing at around age 5 or 6 with my dad on the field across from our house in Syke and then I joined a Rochdale team called Pearson Juniors... At Healey Primary School I would play at break time and lunchtime with my friends.

You seem so down to earth and still very much a Rochdale girl. How have you kept your feet on the ground and handled the added media attention that the last few months has brought?

I think my family definitely help to keep my feet on the ground. I just love playing football so for me I don’t really pay much attention to stuff that happens off the field now, I just try and enjoy myself. My dad also tells me to keep improving as well and working hard every day.

What were your favourite moments of Euro 2022?

There were so many unbelievable memories on the pitch that I couldn’t even begin to choose one or two. Away from the pitch my favourite moments were the family BBQs and playing volleyball with the team; it gave us a chance to switch off and just enjoy the journey with people around us.

What do you think has changed over the past couple of years to lead to the England team's incredible success?

We definitely had the most support we’ve ever had in terms of making sure logistically we were the best. Travel, hotels and access to the best facilities to all help with recovery, that helped us to perform and win.

What was it like being based at St George’s Park with your teammates?

We stayed there in the prep camps. It was easy because we all know the facilities and we could just focus on training. The prep camps were good because the staff had organised darts boards and pool tables to keep us entertained off the pitch.

The celebrations after the final lasted long into the night, before the celebrations in Trafalgar Square! Six weeks later, what’s the atmosphere like within the team?

The celebrations were crazy… everybody had worked so hard for us to achieve this goal and it was only right to make sure we enjoyed the achievement.

The atmosphere in the team is great - it’s always hard coming off the back of such a positive and not really having time to digest before club football starts again, but we put in two good performances over the qualifiers and everybody in the squad contributed.

How do you think the team’s success will influence women's and girls' football around the country?

We are hoping that everybody feels comfortable to pick up a football and play. It doesn’t matter if you want to be a professional or if it’s just about having fun. We believe that everybody deserves the right to at least have access to the sport.

What are your hopes for the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia?

I think it’s hard to talk about hopes for the World Cup when we’ve only just qualified but I’m sure our messages will remain the same that we want to play exciting football and make the nation even prouder!!

What else do you want to achieve both on and off the pitch?

I think for me I want to grow as a person, not just a player. I want to continue putting myself out of my comfort zone and using my platform to support and bring light to issues that I feel strongly about.

On the pitch, I want to continue to win trophies!

What advice would you give to young people, particularly from your hometown, who are inspired by your achievements?

I want to tell young people that they can achieve their dreams. People from Rochdale can be whoever they are inspired to be.

I’ve had nothing but support from the people of our town and I want people to know that living in Rochdale played a massive part in making me the person I am today.

Ruth Parkinson

Photos courtesy of The FA / Getty Images