It has been a while since we have seen Beth Mead in the sort of form she showed in England’s 5-0 thrashing of Belgium but the timing of her resurgence could not be better for Sarina Wiegman.
With the European Championship fast approaching, this was a wonderful performance from the winger, whose delivery into the box, both in open play and from corners, helped the Lionesses produce their best attacking display in months against Belgium.
It was the most balanced the England attack had looked for a long time in the first half with Mead on the right, the power and skill of Alessia Russo through the middle and Lauren James on the left.
If all three can stay fit between now and July, England will have an attack that compares favourably with any of the other title contenders in Switzerland.
Mead has looked good for Arsenal in recent weeks, but with her club-mate Russo to aim for in the middle, this was a reminder of what she can bring to the international stage.
It was from two excellent Mead crosses that Russo hit the post in the first half, the intelligence and speed of her runs in behind slicing open the Belgium defence.
Mead was also unfortunate not to score herself – she was denied by an excellent save – but still produced another sumptuous cross from the right wing in the second half to leave Aggie Beever-Jones with a tap-in for her first England goal.
A first England goal for Aggie Beever-Jones 👏 🦁#ITVFootball | #Lionesses | #ENGBELpic.twitter.com/oWoyq0jiek
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 4, 2025
Patience has been needed but there is a reason Wiegman started Mead against Belgium. Back in that golden, red-hot summer of 2022 Mead was the tournament’s top goalscorer as she fired England to European Championship glory.
Mead was at the peak of her powers; a vital member of the England team and playing the best football of her career. It led to fame and stardom as she was named BBC Sports Personality later that year.
Sadness, though, haunted her. Her
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