England striker Beth Mead says she is ‘ahead of schedule’ in her recovery from her ACL injury and is still working towards the summer World Cup.
Meade, who won the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament award when the Lionesses won the Euro on home soil last year, pulled out after suffering an injury while playing for Arsenal in November.
In March, England head coach Sarina Wigman said Meade was “not part of our plans” for the World Cup at the time, adding: I don’t expect it at this moment.”
Speaking on Wednesday when she received her MBE at Windsor Castle for services to football, Meade told Sky Sports: “The injury is fine.
“I’ve had a good five months, I’m back on the field and kicking the ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule, so that’s all I can do now under my control.”
Asked if she feels confident about making it to the World Championships, Meade said: “I wouldn’t say I’m sure because it’s out of my control.
“But I’m working hard to try and get as close to it as possible, but in the end, it’s probably going to be Sarina’s decision.”
The Australian and New Zealand World Championship kicks off on July 20, and Wigman is set to announce his roster for the tournament later this month.
Also receiving an MBE on Wednesday was Meade’s England teammate Lucy Bronze, who herself was out after knee surgery last month.
The Barcelona defender, whose club will take on Wolfsburg in the Champions League final on June 3, said: “My very little one. I have two weeks after the operation, and then a maximum of a couple of weeks.
“I walk very well. I’m still in stitch bandages, but actually I feel very good physically and mentally, and I feel very good and positive.
“I think I am in better condition now after the operation than before it. I’ve had six knee surgeries so I know what I’m doing, it’s pretty easy for me.”