The Aston Villa star has earned the right to shine in midfield as Sarina Wiegman prepares to make a huge decision in midfield

How do you replace a player who is irreplaceable? After star midfielder Keira Walsh was stretchered off against Denmark, that's the task England head coach Sarina Wiegman has on her hands as the Lionesses prepare to face China in their final group game of the Women's World Cup. Her team need a point against the Asian champions to reach the last 16, and it'd be a huge shock if they didn't get it, even with Walsh's absence a huge blow.

But who will Wiegman trust to take control in the middle of the park for this match? In Friday's game, it was Laura Coombs that she introduced to replace Walsh, with Georgia Stanway dropping into the deeper midfield role. She may choose to make a different decision on Tuesday, though, with Jordan Nobbs well in contention to start after a really impressive second half of the season at Aston Villa. The 30-year-old joined the club from Arsenal in January and has shown excellent form since.

That's not the only decision Wiegman has to ponder, either. She changed her defence for the Denmark meeting, moving Alex Greenwood into the centre after she'd played on the left against Haiti and putting striker Rachel Daly in at full-back. Will she stick with the same back four this time?

There are also questions further up the pitch. Lauren James came in for Lauren Hemp in that last outing, while Alessia Russo and Ella Toone are still both struggling to find form.

So, what should Wiegman's starting XI look like for this important clash with China? GOAL has its say…

Getty ImagesGK: Mary Earps

Mary Earps continues to be reliable as ever in between the sticks for England, her positioning allowing her to comfortably keep out Denmark's efforts on target on Friday to record another clean sheet.

With the Lionesses still to secure their place in the knockout rounds, there's little to no chance of Wiegman giving another goalkeeper a shot in the final group-stage game.

AdvertisementGettyRB: Lucy Bronze

Despite not being at her best yet in the tournament, Lucy Bronze should start again at right-back on Tuesday. Wiegman has other options here, albeit ones not as natural to the role, but none are of the calibre of Bronze, with the four-time Champions League winner sure to hit higher levels sooner rather than later.

GettyCB: Millie Bright

Another player not in great form, Millie Bright made her return to competitive action in England's World Cup opener against Haiti and looked very rusty. She was better against Denmark but is still finding her form again after four months on the sidelines.

As the captain of this team, though, and with the Lionesses having recorded back-to-back clean sheets, she will be at the heart of defence again and is sure to improve. After all, she's a top player.

GettyCB: Alex Greenwood

After starting the first game at left-back, Greenwood was moved into the centre against Denmark and was able to have much more of an influence on the game from there. The Manchester City star put in a strong performance and is likely to partner Bright again on Tuesday.