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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Mead back in England squad</li><li>Returns after long injury lay-off</li><li>Daly thrilled to see forward return</li></ul>

'She's back!' - Lionesses star Rachel Daly cannot hide excitement at Beth Mead returning to England squad following ACL injury

Friendlies

England

Netherlands

Mead has made her long-awaited return from a serious knee injury for Arsenal this season and is now also back in the Lionesses squad for the first time since December 2022. The forward missed the World Cup in Australia last summer because of the injury but could now feature for the national team once again on Friday when the Lionesses face the Netherlands in the Nations League.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Mead's return is a timely boost for the Lionesses ahead of key games against the Netherlands and Belgium. The Gunners star is a key player for club and country and clinched the Golden Boot as England won Euro 2022, before rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament against Manchester United. Mead made her return to action in October and scored her first goals since her comeback in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/beth-mead-back-brace-lionesses-star-ends-428-day-wait-wsl-goal-win-arsenal-west-ham/blt249694cf5b74bcea" target="_blank">Sunday's 3-0 win for Arsenal over West Ham</a>.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"She's back!' a delighted Daly wrote on Instagram along with a picture of the pair in training with Sarina Wiegman's side ahead of Friday's match at Wembley.

WHAT DALY SAID

England take on the Netherlands needing a win to keep their hopes of progressing to the finals of the tournament alive, while Mead will be hoping for her first international minutes for over a year. The Lionesses then complete their group-stage campaign on Tuesday against Scotland.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

'She's back!' - Lionesses star Rachel Daly cannot hide excitement at Beth Mead returning to England squad following ACL injury | Goal.com

Rachel Daly is thrilled to see Beth Mead back with the Lionesses after a year out of international action due to a torn ACL.