Beth Mead preparing for management? Lionesses star joins Steph Houghton, Vivianne Miedema and Zecira Musovic on all-female UEFA A License course

Mead joined a number of current and ex-female players, including Miedema, Kim Little, Karen Bardsley, and Sophie Harris as the first-ever female cohort for the UEFA A Licence course. The course has been built to fit around the playing schedules of professional players, and is fully funded by the FA in partnership with UEFA and the PFA.

The camp began with two-day residency at St George's Park, the home of the England national team, and continued on the pitch, as expert tutors guided players through a live coaching session. Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic said: “Taking the UEFA A Licence course is part of me becoming a leader. I want to develop every aspect of myself, become the best version of myself and the best possible leader I can be.”

The FA has confirmed its commitment to increasing potential employment opportunities for female players. Financial support and scholarships are available as potential coaches are supported through the process of becoming a coach. The participation of the likes of Mead and Houghton will aim to inspire younger players.

Mead may already have a plan for after retirement. She is only 29 but is a very clear ambassador for female sport; she has previously worked with FIFA to share information on women's ACL injuries.