England head coach Sarina Wiegman says that Beth Mead’s return will bring extra energy to the squad.
The Arsenal forward has been named in the England squad for the first time in more than a year for next month’s UEFA Women’s Nations League double-header against The Netherlands and Scotland. Mead has recently made a successful return from an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
When speaking in an England press conference, head coach Wiegman said that Mead’s return to the international fold can provide her squad with a real boost.
“She’s a character that brings positive energy both on and off the pitch,” Wiegman said. “We have more players like that but it is good to have her back.
“Her experience, the way she plays; she is different to other players on the wing, so she brings different attributes which is good for the team because we have different opportunities.
“I expect her to give us some extra energy both on and off the pitch.”
England look to have more competition in the wide areas than in any other position on the pitch. While Wiegman has had to leave some attacking players out, she is pleased with the level of competition for places out wide.
She said “We have so many options, there’s huge competition in that position. You can’t select 10 wingers because then you don’t have the balance in your squad.
“It gives the opportunity for competition and the players will thrive. I think it is good for the game and for England and hard for us to make decisions.”
Forward Mead is the only new face in the latest England squad. With plenty to play for against The Netherlands and Scotland, Wiegman has opted for quality over young talent.
“You try to find a balance but first, it starts with quality,” she said. “Also, it is a moment where we need experience because we know what we have to do.
“This was one of the reasons why we didn’t want to change. We start with quality.”
England face The Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on Friday 1 December 2023 before travelling to Hampden Park to take on Scotland in their final UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture on Tuesday 5 December 2023.