ENGLAND WOMEN boss Sarina Wiegman expects Beth Mead to miss out on this summer’s World Cup, saying that unless a “miracle happens” she will be not be in her plans for it.
Mead, who was born in Whitby and raised in nearby Hinderwell, claimed the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament award when the Lionesses won the Euros last summer.
However, the Arsenal striker has been sidelined by an ACL injury sustained in November.
Wiegman named a 25-player squad for next month’s friendlies against Brazil and Australia yesterday, the last camp before England begin their final preparations ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand that starts on July 20.
And regarding absent Arsenal winger Mead, she told a press conference: “I had a conversation with her, she’s doing well, she’s in her rehab, she’s doing good, but the World Cup is actually too early.
“So what we said is she’s not in our plans now, just really take the time to get back well.
“If a miracle happens and she goes so fast, then we will reconsider it – but at this moment I don’t expect that.”
Hannah Hampton, Esme Morgan and Lucy Parker have been recalled to the squad for next month’s friendlies.
Twice-capped Aston Villa goalkeeper Hampton returns for the first time since last summer’s Euros triumph.
Manchester City’s Morgan won her three senior caps to date last October and November, while fellow defender Parker, of West Ham, is the only uncapped member of the 25-player squad.
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