The 26-year-old Bowdon Hightown defender is a mainstay of England's squad challenging for a 2008 Olympic Games place at the Euro- Nations Championship at Belle Vue.
And, after suffering an eye injury suffered in the opening 3-0 victory over Ireland, which needed four stitches. she is hoping to regain her place in the side as they gear up for a place in the last four.
A 4-0 win over Italy yesterday, even without the injured Walton, secured England's place in the semi-finals, giving Walton even more incentive to get back to full fitness.
The blood may have been streaming from her cut but Sally is no stranger to injuries.
"I played for Aston Villa in the FA Women's Premier League," she said.
"In fact, for a while, I played both sports. But then I got injured and when I was fit again I just concentrated on hockey and stuck with it ever since.
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"I was a left-half with Villa Ladies and I play a similar position in the England team. I think I must be the only one with a left foot.
"I'm not sure whether I would have gone on to play football for England," she added.
"I wasn't around the system long enough to be selected when I was playing."
Walton, now in her seventh season with Bowdon, certainly doesn't regret switching sports.
She's been an England and Britain regular for the last two years, despite one hiccup last autumn.
Walton was dropped from the England squad for friendlies against Holland after turning out for Bowdon, which contravened her Great Britain contract.
But she wasn't out of the picture too long and is looking forward to getting back in the side.
"We've had three training camps up here to prepare for the championships," she added.
"The facilities are great and they are probably the best pitches we play on. Having home advantage is a great help."
THE MEN is official media partner for the championships.
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