England World Cup squad announcement RECAP: Euro top scorer Beth Mead and Steph Houghton MISS OUT as Sarina Wiegman names her 23 players ahead of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand this summer

And from our blog - thank you for following along this afternoon.

On choosing 23 players over 26: 'We wanted to bring it to 26. I don't think the 26 make the injury risk lower, I think you just have more options. They didn't make the choice (to give us 26 players, as with the men's World Cup), we're ahead of that, I don't want to (look back).'

On preparing for Leah Williamson's absence: 'I think all the games we've played helped us. We have seen different players, different combinations of players. We also watched the games at the end of the season, very tight, very exciting.'

On the squad's lack of diversity: 'Of course I understand that peopole look at it like that (22 out of 23 players are white). I really hope that will change, but it won't change overnight. I know the FA is doing a lot of things to get everyone who wants to play football, whatever background you have, to get access to football.

'What our squad did after the Euros (raising awareness with equal access campaigns) hopefully that brings more girls of different backgrounds into the squad.'

'Of course she was really close. She is on a standby place. That was a hard call, with all the defenders we had to think about. 

'But this is the choice we made.' 

On the six tournament debutants in the squad: 'At one point, it's always the first time for player. We're trying to focus on football, but also know what's happening around you.

'Yes it is going to be really exciting, but bring it back.

On the broadcasting situation: 'I'm not worried about that situation. I think FIFA and the broadcaster will come to a decision.

'I think England is a really good place. What I have seen before (is really good coverage).

'I will focus on the football.'

Was bringing Mead ever a possibility? 'No (it was never possible)

'We would have taken too many risks taking her to the World Cup.'

Wiegman added that it would have been 'naive' to gamble on Mead's return to fitness. 

Why call up Bethany England? 'Because of her performances.

'How she did and how she performed and also how much resilience she showed, that helped us make the decision to get her in the squad.'

On making the decision: 'It's nice for the ones who are in, it's not nice for the ones who are not in. 

'It has been really hard. 

'Of course (the decisions are tough). We've seen lots of players, and they all work so hard, but you have to pick 23.'

On the fitness of Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright: 'Lucy is fit, she's fully in training, getting ready for the (Champions League) final this Saturday. Millie is still building, but we're positive. It looks good.' 

In the meantime, you can read Kathryn Batte's full report from the announcement below. 

Chelsea's Millie Bright is set to captain the Lionesses in the absence of Leah Williamson, after just sneaking into the squad. The defender underwent knee surgery in April, but is expected to be fit and firing for Wiegman's side after missing the latter stages of the WSL season. 

England has been sensational for Tottenham after signing from crosstown rivals Chelsea during last summer's transfer window, virtually helping the side avoid relegation with her punchy contributions and raft of goals. 

Out of favour with Wiegman since September, England will have another run at major tournament football after a spell on the bench as an unused substitute during England's Euros campaign last year. 

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa).

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Millie Bright (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Niamh Charles (Chelsea).

Midfielders: Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Katie Zelem (Manchester United).

Forwards: Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Beth England (Tottenham Hotspur).

The Women's World Cup is back under risk of a UK TV blackout, after the government called on FIFA, BBC and ITV to reach a deal.

Broadcast deals have not yet been agreed for some of the biggest footballing countries ahead of the tournament that gets underway in less than two months time. 

FIFA president Gianni Infantino described offers from broadcasters in the 'Big Five' European countries - also including France, Germany, Italy and Spain - as 'very disappointing' and 'a slap in the face'.  

Read more below

Beth Mead isn't the only big name that won't be making the trip to Australia and New Zealand in July - her team-mate and England captain Leah Williamson is another player that will be sorely missed after also rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament. 

Chelsea's Fran Kirby is another big WSL name that will miss out after the player picked up a season-ending knee injury.

Rather than make the announcement from the FA compound at St George's Park, Wiegman will be announcing her picks from a community club in Sutton Coldfield. The decision stems from a wish to emphasise the Lionesses' commitment to equal access, and to highlight the connection between the grassroots game and competing for England at the highest level. 

The club in question, Boldmere St. Michaels FC, was first formed in 1883, and hosts a total of 70 teams across 18 different age groups. 

England have registered an interest in hosting the Women's World Cup in 2023, and will consider submitting a bid, according to FA chairwoman Debbie Hewitt. 

Whilst the organisation's primary focus is on their bid to host the men's Euro 2028 tournament, if successfully secured they will turn their attention to the World Cup. 

This would mark the first time England have bid to host the female edition of the tournament - having previously hosted the men's iteration in 1966. 

Read more below

England have been drawn into Group D, which will see them face Haiti, Denmark, and China in a bid for progression to the knockout stages. 

Denmark will mount the greatest challenge for the Lionesses, with the side making the top 20 in FIFA's international rankings. Their talismanic forward, Pernille Harder, has spent the last three seasons impressing at Chelsea, where she received a record-breaking contract after signing in 2020. 

Although Beth Mead is now set to miss out on a trip Down Under, Wiegman's squad is by no means a foregone conclusion. 

Below, Mail Sport's Kathryn Batte assesses the outstanding issues that might have been playing on the England head coach's mind over the past few weeks. 

Arsenal forward Beth Mead will be one player missing out on Wiegman's call-up, as per the Telegraph. The European championship winner rupted her ACL at the end of November and has been working extensively on her recovery with the faint hope of making this summer's tournament, but the decision has been made not to rush her back into match action. 

It is believed that Mead and Wiegman had a number of discussions in the lead up to the final decision being made, with focus instead to be placed on ensuring the player is fit and ready for the start of her 2023/24 club campaign. 

With just 50 days to go until the first ball is kicked at the 2023 Women's World Cup, Sarina Wiegman is set to announce her confirmed squad as the Lionesses look to add to their trophy cabinet after the smash success of England's 2022 Euro campaign. 

The squad will be published at 2pm, but we'll bring you all the news and build-up in advance of the announcement.