Beth Mead has missed out on England’s Women’s World Cup squad after running out of time in her recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze have both been selected in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-player group despite recent fitness concerns.
Bethany England has been rewarded with a recall after her excellent form since joining Tottenham Hotspur, where the striker scored 12 goals in as many Women’s Super League appearances, but among the surprise omissions was Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier - who has been named on the standby list.
With captain Leah Williamson and Euros winner Fran Kirby already ruled out of the World Cup, the Lionesses have been boosted by the availability of experienced defenders Bright and Bronze. Wiegman confirmed that Bright, the Chelsea centre-back, will captain England in Williamson’s absence.
Wiegman wanted to give Mead every chance of making the World Cup and although the Arsenal star returned to light training in recent weeks, the Lionesses manager was not prepared to take a risk on her fitness with England well-stocked in attacking positions.
“From an early stage we said we were not willing to take the risk to push her and risk injuring her again,” Wiegman said as England’s squad was announced. “We wanted to be smart and not to be naive.”
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