Beth Mead: England and Arsenal striker named in squad for Nations League fixture

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Beth Mead suffering a ACL injury in 2022Image source, Getty Images
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Beth Mead suffered a ACL injury in Arsenal's match against Manchester United in November 2022

Could Beth Mead make her long-awaited return for England this evening?

The England and Arsenal star striker says she is "super proud" to be back in the national squad for the first time in a year, after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The Lionesses face the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on Friday night's crucial Women's Nations League fixture.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are also all in action today in must-win matches.

England

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Mead has scored 29 goals in her 50 England caps

Beth Mead last played for England in November 2022 and said she had been "smiling like a Cheshire cat" since arriving at England's training camp at St George's Park.

She said: "I'm so excited to be on a football pitch, I feel like a young kid again."

The Lionesses take on the Netherlands knowing they must win to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year's Paris Olympics on behalf of Team GB.

Sarina Wiegman's side are currently third in their group, three points below leaders the Netherlands.

Wales

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Wales also have an important match on Friday evening as they face Iceland at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Gemma Grainger's side must win to avoid being relegated with one game to spare in their group.

Wale are currently bottom of their group and pointless after four matches.

A victory by a two-goal margin would likely mean Wales avoid relegation.

Scotland

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Scotland are away to Belgium in their must-win match on Friday night.

After four games, Pedro Martinez Losa's side sit bottom of their group with just one point.

They must win their final two games - against Belgium and at home to England next week - to have a chance of avoiding relegation into League B.

Northern Ireland

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Northern Ireland go into their Friday match with promotion and relegation both still a possibility.

That's because with four points from four games, they are one point off second-placed Hungary.

Tanya Oxtoby's side are away at Albania in their afternoon match.