England forward Beth Mead has revealed she is "ahead of schedule" in her recovery from an ACL injury and could still feature for the Lionesses at this summer's World Cup.
The 28-year-old ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal's Women's Super League defeat to Manchester United back in November. Earlier this year, England boss Sarina Wiegman admitted it would take "a miracle" for Mead to be fit in time for this summer's showpiece tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The winger has now revealed she is back on the pitch and doing everything within her power to be fit enough to earn a seat on the plane Down Under. However, Mead did concede the final decision ultimately rests with Wiegman and her coaching staff.
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"The injury is okay. I’m a good five months in now. I’m back on the pitch and kicking a ball again," she told Sky Sports on Thursday.
"I’m feeling good. I'm ahead of schedule so that’s all that’s in my control right now. I wouldn’t say [I'm] confident because that’s out of my control but I’m working hard to try and get as close to that as possible.
"At the end of the day it’s probably going to be Sarina’s decision."
Mead was speaking at Windsor Palace, where she had been awarded an MBE for services to football alongside England teammate Lucy Bronze. Both players received their honours from Prince William, who Mead admitted was keen to hear about her recovery from injury.
"To be recognised for such a prestigious award is still quite surreal," she said. "[Prince William] asked me how my injury was going and told me he was going to the FA Cup Final at the weekend which is obviously sold out and how we’re looking forward to the World Cup coming up."
While Mead's World Cup dream hangs in the balance, Arsenal and England teammate Leah Williamson has already been ruled out of the tournament. The Lionesses captain ruptured her ACL last month and ,alongside Mead, is one of four Arsenal players to have suffered the same injury this term.
"It’s your captain, it’s your leader. We have a lot of them in the team but Leah is an amazing player and obviously played a big role in the summer just gone so I feel for her," Mead said, reflecting on Williamson's absence.
"I know the position she’s in, I know how she’s feeling right now but myself and my teammates and England are supporting her and she will hopefully come back stronger for the next competition."
Despite having to contend with a raft of injuries, England are still among the favourites to go all the way at the World Cup. But while bagging the greatest prize in world football is a tantalising prospect, Mead believes Wiegman will make sure the squad remains grounded heading into the summer.
"Knowing the squad and the togetherness and how Sarina works, she will take that pressure away from us," the forward said.
"It’s a World Cup - you’ve got to go out there and enjoy playing football. It’s what we do for a living, it’s what we all love doing and I think the way Sarina simplifies that in that context will stand us in good stead and make us feel comfortable going into the tournament."
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