Whitby striker Mead called up for Lionesses training squad
WHITBY’S Beth Mead has been named in the England Women’s squad for their upcoming training camp.
The Lionesses had been due to play Norway at Bramall Lane on December 1, but the game was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Instead, manager Phil Neville will oversee a 10- day training camp at St George’s Park where the group will play two intrasquad friendlies.
The call- up is consolation for Mead seeing her late goal quickly cancelled out as Arsenal drew 1- 1 against Women’s Super League title rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
It looked like Mead had handed the Gunners the three points when she slid in to put the finishing touches to Vivianne Miedema’s cross.
But Chelsea battled back and secured a last- gasp leveller through Lotte Wubben- Moy’s own goal.
Striker Mead, who was named player of the match, said: “It was mixed emotions after the game.
“As a team we played so well. We controlled the game throughout, got our goal and believed we deserved all three points.
“But, unfortunately, that’s football, and against a team like Chelsea we have to be switched on throughout the full 90 minutes.
“In the bigger scheme of things, a point against them is massive. It’s been a weird season but we have to stay consistent.
“Being behind closed doors hasn’t affected us, obviously we miss the fans but when we play we are in our zone and it’s another game.”
Manchester United forward Lauren James has received her first England call- up after impressing in the Women’s Super League, and there is a return to the group for Manchester City’s Laura Coombs, who last played for her country in 2015.