Mead hopeful over World Cup place with ACL rehab 'ahead of schedule'

The Arsenal winger suffered the season-ending injury in her side's 3-2 defeat to Manchester United back in November and initial fears were she would not be fit in time for England's bid to win the World Cup, which begins on July 20th.

However, after picking up an MBE from Prince William for her starring role in the Lionesses' triumphant Euro 2022 victory last year, Mead told Sky Sports on Wednesday that things were beginning to look up.

"The injury's okay, I'm a good five months in and back on the pitch and kicking a ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule," Mead revealed.

"That's all I can do that's in my control right now.

"I wouldn't say I'm confident but I'm working hard to get as close to it as possible.

"At the end of the day, it's probably going to be Sarina's decision."

In April, England manager Wiegman stated it would be "a miracle" for Mead to be fit and firing in time for the squad's trip to Australia and New Zealand, where the tournament is taking place. 

"She's not in our plans now but if a miracle happens and she goes so fast, then we will reconsider it - but at this moment, I don't expect that," Wiegman said prior to England's Finalissima victory.

Mead's Arsenal and England teammate Leah Williamson also suffered the same devastating injury - coincidentally also in a match against Manchester United - falling to the ground just 12 minutes in and having to be stretchered off the field. The England captain is still only early in her rehabilitation and will unfortunately definitely miss the World Cup.

Mead was quick to share her condolences to Williamson: "I feel for her, I know the position she's in and how she's feeling right now. Myself and my teammates will support her and hopefully, she'll come back stronger for the next competition.

"For England, that's your captain, it's your leader, we have lots of those in the team but Leah's an amazing player and played a big role in the summer just gone."

England, one of the favourites to win the competition outright, begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti on July 22nd before taking on Denmark on July 28th, finishing off their group stage matches against China on August 1st.