Arsenal Forward Beth Mead Returns to England Squad After Injury
Arsenal forward Beth Mead has made a comeback to the England squad after a year-long absence due to a serious knee injury.
Golden Boot Winner Returns
Mead, who won the Golden Boot during England’s victory in Euro 2022, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in November 2022.
She has been named in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad for the upcoming Women’s Nations League matches.
Exciting New Additions
Joining Mead in the squad are 20-year-old Grace Clinton, currently on loan at Tottenham from Manchester United, and 19-year-old Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating. Both players were previously called up in October.
However, Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker will be absent due to an ankle injury. Other notable omissions include Manchester City forward Jess Park, Aston Villa striker Ebony Salmon, and experienced midfielder Laura Coombs.
Olympic Qualification at Stake
England is the nominated nation on behalf of Team GB to secure qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics. To achieve this, they must win their Women’s Nations League group.
Currently, England is in third place in the group, three points behind leaders the Netherlands. They will face the Netherlands on Friday, December 1. Their next opponent, Scotland, is currently at the bottom of the group with one point.
Full England Squad:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City)
Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Tottenham, on loan from Manchester United), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)
Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal)