It is “too early” to start planning for a World Cup without Beth Mead, according to England manager Sarina Wiegman.
Mead, 27, could miss the competition in July after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in November.
The Arnold Clark Cup competition this month, which England won in 2022, will also be without the Arsenal forward.
“It’s too soon to make a judgment. I don’t want to press the issue. She’s been dealing with a lot “Wiegman remarked.
“Then, we’ll consider the future after seeing how her rehabilitation goes. Given her circumstances, I don’t want her to look too far forward right now.”
Soon after Mead won BBC Sports Personality of the Year in January, his mother June passed away following “a long and valiant battle with ovarian cancer.”
“Of course, she also had other personal concerns. I put off fixing her knee until now because I only wanted her to be safe and be able to deal with the stress and misery she was surrounded by “Wiegman added.
“She assured me that she is doing great. She is determined to qualify for [the World Cup]. She must first settle down before we can proceed. I won’t push that at this time.”
Leah Williamson, the team’s captain, rejoins Wiegman’s group, though, as they prepare to defend the Arnold Clark Cup later this month.
The injured Arsenal defender, along with Emily Ramsey, an uncapped goalkeeper, and Laura Coombs, a midfielder for Manchester City who last played for England in 2015, are all part of the 26-player group.
Laura Coombs has performed admirably for Manchester City and displayed incredible consistency, according to Wiegman.
“In order to balance our midfield, I believe we need more of her ability to play a little higher and deeper.
“I’m thrilled that [Williamson] is back as well. Your captain’s return is welcome, especially given the caliber that she brings.”
England may yet get better before the World Cup, says Wiegman
Against February 16 in Milton Keynes, the Lionesses take on South Korea, and on February 19 in Coventry, they play Italy.
On February 22, Belgium will visit Bristol in their final match.
England won the round-robin competition in 2022 by finishing ahead of Spain, Canada, and Germany.
The roster includes Jess Park, who impressed while on loan at Everton this season and scored 79 seconds into her international debut against Japan.
However, Nikita Parris of Manchester United and Bethany England, who transferred from Chelsea to Tottenham in January, have no place among the forwards.
Jordan Nobbs, a midfielder who just transferred from Arsenal to Aston Villa, has also been overlooked, along with Gabby George of Everton and Esme Morgan of Manchester City.
“These athletes are vying to be chosen. We frequently engage in discussion with them. They relocated to clubs where they are currently playing frequently, “Wiegman remarked.
“Although I believe it to be beneficial for competition, you cannot control what your rivals do. Now that we know where they are, we can see how they are progressing. After that, we consider their actions and make a decision.
Although it’s beneficial that they acquire playing time and improve their position, it doesn’t ensure they will be chosen.
The competition occurs as Wiegman’s team prepares for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which is contested between July 20 and August. In 2022, Wiegman’s team became the first team to win the European Championship.
The first Uefa Women’s Finalissima will be held on April 6, and England, one of the favorites to win the tournament, will play Brazil at Wembley to continue their preparations.
entire squad
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Sandy MacIver, and Emily Ramsey.
Defenders: Lotte Wubben-Moy, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Rachel Daly, Maya Le Tissier, Leah Williamson, and Alex Greenwood.
Laura Coombs, Fran Kirby, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, and Katie Zelem are all midfielders.
Forwards: Jessica Park, Katie Robinson, Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, and Ebony Salmon.