In a significant boost for the England Women’s National Team, manager Sarina Wiegman has announced the return of Arsenal forward Beth Mead to the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
This marks a notable comeback for Mead after her recovery from an ACL injury, highlighting her vital role in the team’s dynamics.
England manager Sarina Wiegman has recalled Arsenal forward Beth Mead to the national squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, marking Mead’s return to international football after over a year.
Mead, who had been sidelined due to an ACL injury sustained last November, recently resumed playing for Arsenal. Wiegman praised Mead for her positive energy and the unique qualities she brings to the team, both on and off the pitch.
The squad also includes Tottenham midfielder Grace Clinton and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, who retain their places after receiving their first senior call-ups in October.
England’s final two matches of the year are against the Netherlands at Wembley and Scotland at Hampden Park.
Despite England currently sitting third in Group A1 following a loss to Belgium, Wiegman remains focused on the team’s consistent preparation. The Nations League is crucial as the winners of League A will qualify for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“It’s really nice, she’s played minutes, she’s in a good place and still building too, but that was a very nice phone call, she was very happy,” Wiegman said about Mead.
“We’ve had conversations all the time, we had conversations before September camp and during and in October too because she was already fully training and getting some minutes but I just wanted to see a little more and that’s what we’ve seen now.
“Her health is really good so she can just go and she’s showed of course in games that she’s in a good place and we want her to keep growing and improving.
“She’s shown enough to me and for my technical staff to bring her in.
“She is a character that brings positive energy off the pitch and on the pitch and it’s good to have her back. Her experience, the way she plays, she’s different than other players on the wing, she brings different things so that’s good we have different opportunities again. Off pitch gives us some extra energy.”