Beth Mead initially left out of Hege Riise's first England Women squad last month before being added as a late replacement; Lionesses play friendlies against France in Caen on April 9 and Canada in Stoke on April 13
Tuesday 30 March 2021 15:16, UK
Arsenal forward Beth Mead has earned a recall to the England Women squad for April's double-header against France and Canada.
Mead, the most high-profile omission from interim head coach Hege Riise's first Lionesses squad last month, came in off stand-by and was an unused substitute in the 6-0 win over Northern Ireland.
There are also recalls for experienced goalkeeping duo Karen Bardsley and Carly Telford, while Niamh Charles (Chelsea) and Millie Turner (Manchester United) earn their first senior call-up.
Turner, 24, was also drafted into Riise's squad as a replacement last month and has yet to make her senior debut.
Regular captain Steph Houghton misses out due to injury, having not been involved in Manchester City's last four matches because of what has been described by the club's boss Gareth Taylor as a problem "in the Achilles area".
Lyon's Nikita Parris is again unable to join the squad after a number of positive coronavirus cases at the French club, although the Football Association say "the situation is being regularly assessed".
Riise's side play France in Caen on April 9 before a home friendly against Canada in Stoke four days later.
"We have such an exciting group of players," Riise said. "Many have enormous major tournament experience and others have proven themselves capable of competing for England at the highest level.
"It was very important for us to secure fixtures against top opponents in France and Canada. France are currently ranked third in the world and Canada are eighth, so this international window will really test our squad against some of the best in the world.
"This is crucial as we move closer to the Tokyo Olympics, but also important as we continue to prepare this squad to compete at the home EURO next year and the World Cup in 2023.
"I look forward to two exciting fixtures and the opportunity of challenging every player to impress us and stake their claim for a place in the shortlist for GB Football.
"I have also been watching very closely those players for the home nations who are in contention for the GB squad and I will continue to do so right up until we shortlist next month."
Goalkeepers: Ellie Roebuck, Sandy MacIver, Carly Telford, Karen Bardsley
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly, Leah Williamson, Millie Turner, Millie Bright, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Demi Stokes, Alex Greenwood
Midfielders: Fran Kirby, Jordan Nobbs, Jill Scott, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh
Forwards: Niamh Charles, Bethany England, Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Ellen White
