Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has issued a clear message to Beth Mead regarding her future at international level, stating that the forward's next club transfer will be a 'very important' factor in her chances of featuring at the 2027 Women's World Cup. Mead, 31, is understood to be nearing an agreement for a move to Manchester City, departing Arsenal in pursuit of more consistent starting opportunities.
Mead, a pivotal figure in England's Euro 2022 triumph, has seen her game time fluctuate since returning from a serious ACL injury. Wiegman's comments underscore the competitive landscape within the England squad and the emphasis on players maintaining peak performance and regular minutes at club level to secure their international berths. The potential switch to Manchester City could offer Mead the fresh start and increased playing time she seemingly desires, which Wiegman believes is crucial for her long-term England prospects.
In other squad news, Manchester United's Ella Toone has earned a recall to the Lionesses squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers. Toone's return will be a boost for England, bringing her creative midfield presence back into the fold. She is joined by Chelsea's promising young forward Aggie Beever-Jones and Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier, who also make their return to the national team setup.
The inclusion of Beever-Jones highlights Wiegman's continued strategy of integrating emerging talent alongside established players. Le Tissier's recall provides further defensive options as England navigate a crucial period in their qualification campaign. These selections reflect Wiegman's ongoing assessment of player form and availability as the Lionesses aim to secure their spot at the next major tournament.
England are set to face Republic of Ireland and Sweden in their upcoming qualification fixtures, with the squad aiming to build momentum after a mixed start to their campaign. The focus will be on securing maximum points to strengthen their position in the group, with both new and returning faces eager to make an impact and impress the coaching staff.