England and Arsenal striker Beth Mead has said she is ‘ahead of schedule’ in recovering from her anterior cruciate ligament injury but is unsure if she will be fit for the Cup of the world.
The 28-year-old has been out since November after break his ACL in a Women’s Super League loss to Manchester United.
England will face Haiti in their opening match of the World Cup in Australia on July 22.
“I’m back on a pitch kicking a ball again, feeling good,” Mead said.
Speaking on Sky Sports after being awarded an MBE for her services to football, she added: “I’m ahead of schedule so that’s all I can do under my control at the moment.
“I wouldn’t say I’m confident [of getting to the World Cup] because it’s out of my control but I’m working hard to get as close to it as possible.
“In the end, it will probably be Sarina’s [Wiegman] decision.”
Mead won both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament award as England won the Euros last summer.
The striker’s return would provide a welcome boost to head coach Wiegman, who will be without Captain Leah Williamson due to an ACL injury and midfielder Fran Kirby, who has confirmed that she miss the tournament in Australia due to a knee injury.
Chelsea defender Millie Bright has also been ruled out for several weeks following the knee injury she suffered in March.
But Wiegman said in March it was “unlikely” that Mead will be named in England’s World Cup squad.
