Former Lioness and Man City striker says Izzy Christiansen Beth Mead not ready for England duty despite Arsenal comeback
Beth Mead's return to Arsenal action following her recovery from her ACL injury could scarcely have gone better.
The forward set up an assist for fellow England star Alessia Russo in the 94th minute, handing Arsenal a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa and their first three points of the WSL season.
Despite Mead's immediate impact, there was no place for her in Sarina Wiegman's 25-player-squad who will face Belgium home and away in the Women's Nations League.
But there is one former Lioness who believes Wiegman was right not to call up the Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner.
Former England and Manchester City striker and midfielder Izzy Christiansen made 31 appearances for the Lionesses before retiring from football at the end of the 2022/23 season.
She spent time playing for Everton, Manchester City, Lyon and Birmingham City and counts an FA Cup, a WSL title and a Champions League title among her trophy collection.
And Christiansen, with all her experience, believes Wiegman is wise to be patient.
Speaking at the Utilita Kids and Girls Cup launch day at Barnsley, she told talkSPORT: «Beth isn't ready to be in the England setup yet.
»Sarina Wiegman makes some excellent decisions and I think that's another excellent decision from her.
«I'm sure that many fans want to see Beth Mead back in an England shirt and it will happen — but probably not for the next few weeks at least, or months.
»She needs to get herself back playing, ticking for Arsenal before she gets back in an England shirt."
Mead has not played since November 2022 when she picked up an ACL injury in Arsenal's 3-2 loss to Manchester United.
Her teammates Vivianne Miedema and Leah Williamson suffered the same injury not long after, meaning Arsenal have been without a number of
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