Mead returns to England squad for Nations League climax

Beth Mead has been named in England's squad to take on the Netherlands and Scotland next month after returning from a serious knee injury.

The Euro 2022 Player of the Tournament last featured for the Lionesses in November 2022 and missed the run to the final of the Women's World Cup in the summer.

But having made her first Arsenal start of the season on Sunday, she is now in Sarina Wiegman's thinking for the crunch Nations League fixtures.

The Lionesses boss said: "Her health now is really good, she can just go.

"She was very happy. That was a very nice phone call.

"We've had phone calls all the time — since September and October, too, because she was training and getting some minutes — but I wanted to see more. 

"She showed in games that she's in a good place and of course we want to keep her growing and improving — but she's shown enough for me and my technical staff to bring her in.

"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."

England host the Dutch at Wembley on Friday, December 1 before travelling to Hampden Park on Tuesday, December 5.

And they are under pressure to win both matches in order to stand the best possible chance of progressing to the finals next year.

Wiegman said: "We know we need to win our last two games of 2023 and we'll give everything we have for that outcome. 

"This group have shown resilience and strength of character time and time again and I have absolutely no doubts we'll be ready to go when the whistle blows for both fixtures."

Manchester City duo Ellie Roebuck and Jess Park miss out on selection, while Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker is injured.

The returning Mead is joined by Chelsea winger Lauren James, who pulled out of the October internationals with concussion, while City goalkeeper Khiara Keating and Tottenham midfielder Grace Clinton are selected again.

England squad to face Netherlands and Scotland

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City)

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United)

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Tottenham), Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United)

Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Beth Mead (Arsenal)