Why is Beth Mead not playing at the Women’s World Cup? England star joins Arsenal teammate Leah Williamson in missing tournament

Beth Mead will miss the chance to be England’s tournament hero again during the Women’s World Cup.

The Arsenal forward was the Lionesses’ breakout star for their historic Euros triumph last summer after claiming the Golden Boot.

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Mead was England’s top goalscorer with six goals and registered five assists on route to being crowned player of the tournament.

The 28-year-old was unable to build on her international success having missed the resulting triumph in the Women’s Finalissima.

She has now not been named in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-woman squad for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand…

Why is Mead not at the World Cup?

Mead remains out injured having ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament last November.

She has yet to play a single minute since she was substituted late on in Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester United.

Ruptured ACL injuries typically require six to nine months of recovery time, with Mead facing a race against time to be fit.

The former Sunderland star claimed she was ahead of schedule in April after undergoing surgery in December but ultimately missed out.

Mead is one of three high-profile England players missing through injury alongside captain Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby.

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Speaking exclusively live on talkSPORT, Mead said: “Not going [to the World Cup] obviously has been a little bit of a tough pill to swallow.

“I was very lucky to go to the 2019 World Cup so after experiencing one, what it’s all about, how amazing it is, it’s been tough not being able to go.

“Unfortunately it came a little bit too soon with my injury, I think I wanted to play my best football out there and I probably wouldn’t have hit the heights that I’m capable of when I’m fully back fit

“I’m excited for the World Cup obviously after last year winning the Euros the women’s game has hit new heights.

“It’s become massive so obviously again it’s got to be the best tournament yet and hopefully England can do pretty amazing in that one!”