Sarina Wiegman hails Beth Mead’s ‘positive energy’ following the Arsenal star’s Lionesses return
SARINA WIEGMAN expects Beth Mead to bring England “extra energy” following her recall after her recovery from a long-term knee injury.
The head coach acknowledged her Lionesses’ next two games are must-wins to help keep Team GB Olympic qualification hopes alive.
Wiegman was speaking earlier today after announcing her 23-strong squad for England's Women's Nations League clashes with Holland and Scotland next month.
Of Mead’s reaction to her international comeback, the Lionesses chief, 54, said: “She was very happy.
"We've had phone calls all the time, since September, and October because she was training and getting some minutes.
“Her health now is really good, she can just go.
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"We hope she keeps improving, but she showed enough for me to bring her in.”
Mead’s return to the international squad comes one year on from when the Arsenal star last featured for England.
Last November the forward, 28, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during the Gunners’ home loss to Manchester United in the WSL at the Emirates
The injury saw her miss this summer’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and left her sidelined for her club until October.
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But since her return to match action last month, with the forward providing the match-winning assist in the Gunners’ defeat of Aston Villa, Mead has impressed.
Wiegman added: "She is a character who brings positive energy on and off pitch.
“Her experience, the way she plays, she is different to other players on the wing.
“We expect on and off pitch it gives us extra energy."
Mead’s return comes before the Lionesses gather for their November camp ahead of two high stakes Women’s Nations League group stages fixtures.
It also comes at a time of England enduring a tough run of three losses in their last five games
Wiegman’s side face Holland at Wembley on 1 December before playing Scotland at Hampden Park four days later.
Hopes of a Team GB women’s football side qualifying for next summer’s Paris Olympics rest with the Lionesses as the highest-ranked British side.
The Euros champs need to finish top of their group, which is group A1, in order to have a chance of making it to the games.
The winners of the four groups in League A qualify for the Women’s Nations League finals which determine which sides will reach the Olympics
However two defeats in their last four Women’s Nations League matches have them third in group including a 3-2 away loss to Belgium last month.
Wiegman added: "The last result was not a reflection of us, now we are in a situation where we need wins.
“Now, the urgency to win games is higher, but that is always our expectation. I'm really looking forward to playing at Wembley, and eager to get a result.
"I think we still do good things, but we have to do better in moments in games and be more ruthless,”
England’s 23-strong squad includes Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating and Tottenham loan star Grace Clinton who received their first call-ups last month.
However Keating’s City team-mate Ellie Roebuck is among the notable absentees with the goalkeeper yet to feature for the Citizens in the top-flight.
Her absence follows Wiegman opting to reduce the number of shot-stoppers in her latest squad from four to three.
England No1 Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton are the other two included in her group.
Another omission was Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones who is currently the highest English scorer in WSL this term with four goals in five games.
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And forwards Jess Park, Katie Robinson and Ebony Robinson also miss out
Wiegman added: "Aggie is in our conversations. I hope she keeps improving and gives us headaches with our selection."
England Women's Squad
Goalkeepers:
Mary Earps, Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating
Defenders:
Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy
Midfielders:
Grace Clinton, Fran Kirby, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem
Forwards:
Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Alessia Russo