Home SPORTS Women’s Nations League: Beth Mead returns to England squad after ACL injury

Women’s Nations League: Beth Mead returns to England squad after ACL injury

Beth Mead scored six goals as England won Euro 2022 and was named the tournament’s best player

Arsenal forward Beth Mead has been named in the England squad for the first time in a year following her return from a serious knee injury.

Mead, who claimed the Golden Boot as England won Euro 2022, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in November 2022.

She is named in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player squad for next month’s Women’s Nations League matches.

England face the Netherlands at Wembley, then Scotland at Hampden Park.

There are further call-ups for 20-year-old Grace Clinton, on loan at Tottenham from Manchester United, and Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating, 19, who were involved in October’s squad for the first time.

Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is absent with an ankle injury, while Manchester City forward Jess Park, Villa striker Ebony Salmon and experienced midfielder Laura Coombs are among those to miss out on selection.

England are the nominated nation on behalf of Team GB to seal qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics but they must win their Women’s Nations League group.

It is finely poised with England currently third in the group, three points off leaders the Netherlands, who they face on Friday, 1 December.

Opponents Scotland, who they play on Tuesday, 5 December, are currently 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).

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