Mueez Ajao
– Injured forward Beth Mead is unlikely to be named in England’s World Cup squad, manager Sarina Wiegman has said.
– Arsenal’s Mead, player of the tournament in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in November.
– The World Cup begins on 20 July, with England’s first group game against Haiti two days later.
Also Read: Beth Mead wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year award
– “It’s being realistic, and she was very realistic,” said Wiegman, who named her final pre-World Cup squad on Tuesday.
– “What we said now is, she’s not in our plans now, just to really take the time to get back well,” she added.
– “If a miracle happens and she goes [through recovery] so fast, we will reconsider it, but at this moment I don’t expect that.”
– The Lionesses host South American champions Brazil at a sold-out Wembley on Thursday, 6 April, before playing Australia at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday, 11 April.
– The friendlies are scheduled to be England’s last fixtures before the start of this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
– Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Wiegman added: “She’s done really well in her rehabilitation. But if you look at the timescale you normally have with an injury like this she would not make the World Cup.
– “We had that discussion. We’re not going to push or take risks that will cause this injury again. Of course she wants to play, but she knows.”
– England boss Wiegman said Aston Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton had “sorted out” personal issues to earn a recall to the squad for the Brazil and Australia games.
– Hampton, absent since England won Euro 2022 after being dropped reportedly because of poor attitude, returns to the latest 25-player squad.
– “She needed to sort out some personal issues. She has done that, shown great performances and consistency at her club. I thought this was the moment to bring her in,” said Wiegman.
– The 22-year-old’s Villa team-mate Jordan Nobbs has retained her spot after replacing injured Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby in the Arnold Clark Cup squad.
– Tottenham forward Beth England misses out despite being in superb form, scoring five goals in her past six Women’s Super League appearances.
– “We chose to select less centre-forwards,” added Wiegman, who has named Villa’s Rachel Daly – a regular full-back for England – as an attacking option.
– “The competition in that position is so high so I just chose these two and kept it as that.”
– Other players not included are Everton’s Emily Ramsey, Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy, Manchester United’s Katie Zelem and Houston Dash’s Ebony Salmon.
– West Ham defender Lucy Parker is named and in line to win her first cap for England, having been called up in October but withdrawing through injury.
– “It starts with quality and performance. You also want some experience too. [Parker] has played a few different positions in the last few games but she did well,” said Wiegman.
– “We see things in her we really like. We want to see that in our environment.”
– Chelsea defender Millie Bright is included despite sustaining a knee injury in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Lyon on Wednesday.
– Chelsea’s Kirby has also struggled with injuries this season and could face a battle to be fit for the World Cup.
– “I am concerned. I want to keep this opportunity open. Hopefully she gets fit, gets on the pitch again and gets playing,” added Wiegman.
– “You need to show form and fitness. We have less time now [than the home Euros]. It’s a little concern, but also we just need to see how she progresses.”
