England star Beth Mead claimed the 2022 Women’s Euros Golden Boot and the Player of the Tournament crown as the Lionesses toasted their success against Germany.
Sarina Wiegman’s side made history at Wembley Stadium as they edged past the Germans 2-1 after extra-time - Ella Toone’s sumptuous chip initially looking like it would be enough to end England’s 56-year wait for more major success. However, Lina Magull rounded of a brilliant move to equalise with just over ten minutes of normal time remaining
The game then headed to extra-time - as the men's Euros final did just over 12 months ago - but there were better scenes this time around as Chloe Kelly reacted first to prod home late in the day to score her first ever goal for the Lionesses and seal victory at the national stadium.
Germany pushed forward in an effort to level once more but the final whistle triggered wild celebrations not only in the capital but across the country with the Lionesses having captured the imagination of the nation throughout the tournament. The celebrations were even more special for Arsenal forward Mead who claimed the top scorer award.
Heading into the final, she had managed to find the net on six occasions - Germany forward Alexandra Popp also having bagged the same amount. However, the latter was ruled out of the showpiece through injury and with Mead having also notched five assists alongside her impressive haul, it was her who claimed the award.
She got her tournament off to the perfect start by scoring the winning goal in the Lionesses’ opener against Austria at Old Trafford. Mead then followed that up with a fantastic hat-trick in the 8-0 demolition of Norway.
The 27-year-old followed that up with strikes against both Northern Ireland and Sweden as the side plotted their route through to the final. She was once again selected to start by Wiegman in the final at Wembley but was not able to add to her tally before being withdrawn in the second-half after a heavy collision with a German defender.
Mead adds her name to just a list of four previous players to have claimed the Golden Boot for England at major tournaments. From a male perspective, Gary Lineker and Harry Kane claimed the award in Mexico and Russia respectively, whilst Alan Shearer was named the top scorer at Euro 96.
Jodie Taylor is the only Lioness to have secured the Golden Boot before Mead. Her five goals at Euro 2017 in the Netherlands was enough to see her claim the award.
