England manager Sarina Weigman has announced the 23 players who will travel to Australia and New Zealand at the end of July and feature in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With injuries to key players such as Leah Williamson and Beth Mead, Weigman had to adapt her squad.
England forward Beth Mead has been left out of Sarina Wiegman‘s 23-player squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Mead, who has not fully recovered from an ACL tear, will be unable to participate in the tournament. However, Tottenham striker Beth England earned a recall due to her impressive goal-scoring form in the latter half of the Women’s Super League (WSL) season. The squad selection comes with several notable exclusions, including Manchester United duo Maya Le Tissier and Nikita Parris, as well as midfielder Jess Park. Wiegman acknowledged that the decision to omit Mead was due to her time constraints for recovery.
Beth Mead, who played a key part of the Lionesses EURO triumph in 2022, has unfortunately been ruled out of the Women’s World Cup squad. Her recovery from an ACL tear did not progress as anticipated, preventing her from participating in the prestigious tournament. Despite some progress, England’s coaching staff deemed it too risky to push for her inclusion, prioritising her long-term health and well-being.
Sarina Wiegman included Tottenham striker Beth England in the squad, recognising her excellent performance in the latter part of the WSL season. England’s remarkable tally of 12 goals during this period has earned her a well-deserved place in the national team. The coaching staff is banking on her goal-scoring prowess to make an impact in the World Cup.
The squad announcement also revealed the exclusion of Maya Le Tissier, Nikita Parris, and midfielder Jess Park. Wiegman expressed the difficulty in omitting Le Tissier, describing it as a “hard call” as she was a strong contender for selection. The coaching staff believed that Le Tissier had come close to earning a place in the squad. Meanwhile, Parris, who had shown promise, and Park, who has impressed on loan at Everton, were also left out of the final squad.
England’s World Cup preparations has been marred by several long-term injuries. In addition to Beth Mead, captain Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby will also miss the tournament due to their respective injuries. Their absence represents a significant blow to the team’s strength and experience. Millie Bright has been appointed as the team captain in Williamson’s absence.
The England squad to feature at the 2023 Women’s World Cup
Weigman‘s 23-player squad squad for the Women’s World Cup features a blend of experienced players and rising talents. The list includes notable names such as goalkeeper Mary Earps, who played a crucial role in England’s victory in the Finalissima against Brazil, and defender Lucy Bronze, the most capped current Lioness with 104 caps. The captaincy has been entrusted to Millie Bright, although her fitness remains a concern following a knee cartilage problem. Find the full list of the England squad to travel to Australia and New Zealand in July below:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Niamh Charles, Esme Morgan
Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Jordan Nobbs, laura Coombs, Katie Zelem
Forwards: Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Katie Robinson, Bethany England
