Beth Mead returns to England squad after long break

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.

On Mead’s return, manager Wiegman said: “Of course that’s really nice. She’s played minutes and is in a good place and still building too. It was a very nice phone call and she was very happy.

“We’ve had conversations all the time. We had some before the September camp and in October too because she was already fully training and getting some minutes then. I wanted to see a little more and that’s what we have seen that now.

“Her health is really good so she can just go. She has shown in games that she is in a good place. She is still improving but she has shown enough for us to bring her in.”

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.