Beth returns to England football squad after ACL injury.

Having returned from a serious knee injury, Arsenal forward Beth Mead has been named in the England squad for the first time in a year.

In November 2022, Mead injured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while playing for England at Euro 2022.

Sarina Wiegman has named her to her 23-player squad for the Women’s Nations League matches next month.

England will face the Netherlands at Wembley, followed by Scotland against the Scots at Hampden Park.

In response to Mead’s return, manager Wiegman said: “Of course it’s great. She played minutes and still building. It was a very nice phone call for her.”

“We had some conversations before the September camp and in October, when she was already fully trained and getting some minutes. I wanted to see a little more, and that’s what we have seen.

It’s fine for her to go. She’s shown in games that she’s doing well. She’s still improving, but she’s shown enough for us to bring her in.”

Among the new call-ups are Grace Clinton, 20, who is on loan at Tottenham from Manchester United, as well as Khiara Keating, 19, who was part of the squad for the first time in October.

Lucy Parker, Aston Villa defender, is out with an ankle injury, while Manchester City forward Jess Park, Villa striker Ebony Salmon and experienced midfielder Laura Coombs are also absent.

It is England’s responsibility to seal qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics as the nominated nation on behalf of Team GB, but they must defeat their Women’s Nations League group to do so.

It is finely poised with England currently third in the group, three points off leaders the Netherlands, who they face on Friday, 1 December.