Beth Mead strikes again as England make perfect start to Euro 2022

As the Lionesses gear up for the crunch quarter final vs Spain Freddie Cardy analyses the brilliant Mead's contribution.

Beth Mead scored and assisted as England ended their group stage with a 5-0 win over Northern Ireland.

The Arsenal striker’s goal at the end of the first half was already her fifth in the tournament, following a hat-trick in the demolition of Norway and the only goal in England’s opening-day win over Austria.

Mead’s form should come to no surprise from Arsenal fans after a season that saw her produce a remarkable 19 assists on top of 14 goals in all competitions, being named Arsenal Women’s player of the season as voted for by the supporters. 

Her partnership with Vivienne Miedema produced more goals than 8 WSL teams in the 2021-22 season, with the two forming a formidable frontline that is set to enjoy perhaps its very last year together, with Miedema extending her contract until the end of the upcoming campaign.

For England, Mead is part of a relentless, hard-working front three that are allowed to flourish under Sarina Wiegman. Lauren Hemp on the opposite flank, with Ellen White, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone all options for the more central striker role, perfectly complement Mead’s willingness to make runs in behind and pressurise defenders, creating chances for herself and enjoying linking up with those around her.

No wonder England smashed the record of the highest number of group stage goals in the tournament’s history.

Moving on from Mead, Arsenal’s Leah Williamson skippered the Lionesses defence to a group stage that didn’t see a single goal conceded.

Despite being played in midfield by Sarina Wiegman in the build up to the tournament, Williamson has started all three games in defence (her regular position for the Gunners) and has played a key role in such a solid start to the Euros.

Elsewhere, Manu Zinsberger and Laura Wienroither’s Austria secured qualification to the knockout stages with a 1-0 win over Norway.

England play Spain in the quarter finals at Brighton on Wednesday. Gooner Fanzine editor Layth Yousif will be there