England are resigned to going to this summer’s without their Euros superstar Beth Mead, who needs ‘a miracle’ to be fit for the tournament.
The Arsenal attacker was the six-goal Golden Boot winner and player of the tournament as but has been out of action since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in November.
England boss Sarina Wiegman, who yesterday named a 25-strong squad for April games against Brazil and Australia, is not expecting Mead, 27, back in time for this summer’s global showpiece.
The inaugural Women’s Finalissima with Brazil and friendly with the Matildas will be England’s last tests before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
That comes too soon for Mead, with Wiegman saying: ‘I had a conversation with her, she’s doing well, she’s in her rehab, she’s doing good, but the World Cup is actually too early.
‘So what we said is she’s not in our plans now, just really take the time to get back well.
‘If a miracle happens and she goes so fast, then we will reconsider it, but at this moment I don’t expect that.
‘‘We’re not going to push or take risks that will cause this injury again. Of course she wants to play, but she knows.’
Three players not involved in February’s Arnold Clark Cup success have been picked, with a recall for goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, plus Manchester City’s Esme Morgan and uncapped West Ham defender Lucy Parker.
Aston Villa star Hampton has not been selected since the Euros, amid reports of ‘behaviour and attitude’ issues.
Wiegman said: ‘As I said over all the other camps, she needed to sort out some personal issues. She’s done that. She has shown great performances, she has shown consistency, so I thought this is the moment to bring her in.’
There is no place for Bethany England – who has scored six goals since joining Tottenham from Chelsea in January – while Nikita Parris also misses out again.
The versatile Rachel Daly, scorer of 13 WSL goals for Villa this term, is listed as a forward having played left-back at the Euros. Chelsea playmaker Fran Kirby is out with a knee issue.
England face Brazil at Wembley next Thursday and Australia at Brentford five days later.
