Beth Mead is ‘super proud to be English’ after helping the Lionesses reach the Euro 2022 final

Beth Mead revelled in helping England reach the Euro 2022 final by insisting she is ‘super proud’ of her nationality.

The forward equalled a Women’s Euros record in the Lionesses’ 4-0 win against Sweden, scoring her sixth goal of the tournament to settle the hosts’ nerves with the opener in the semi-final at Bramall Lane. 

Lucy Bronze, Alessia Russo and Fran Kirby then completed the demolition of the side ranked No 2 in the world as Sarina Wiegman’s side set up a Wembley showdown on Sunday against Germany or France.

And speaking in her post-match press conference, a gleeful Mead insisted she believed England were going to reach their first Euros final since 2009 when Russo netted an audacious backheel. 

‘When the third goal went in, you starting believing obviously,’ Mead said. ‘The game becomes blurry when there is that much excitement and that many emotions.

‘What an incredible night and incredible atmosphere from the fans. I am super proud to be English and part of this team right now.’

Mead’s well-hit opener however saw her match the record for most goals in an single women’s Euros set by former Germany striker Inka Grings in 2009.

The strike also saw her become England’s record goal-scorer in the tournament, surpassing Jodie Taylor who scored five in 2017.

The forward scored her sixth goal of Euro 2022 to help settle the Lionesses’ nerves in Sheffield

Mead believed England had made the final when Alessia Russo scored an audacious backheel

Mead netted a stunning hat-trick against Norway and also netted in against Austria and Northern Ireland prior to Wednesday night. 

Asked about the records, she added: ‘A little bit surreal for me. It is not something I have really thought about too much. I am happy to be scoring goals and assists and helping the team. 

‘It is not something I am too fussed about. I am just more happy that we are in the final and us winning with the team.’

The Arsenal star was awarded the Player of the Match award for the Bramall Lane semi-final

Mead has matched the record for most goals in an single women’s Euros set by Inka Grings

Mead also lauded Wiegman, who she credits for creating a vibrant atmosphere in the camp, praising her for providing clarity in the style of play as a team as well on an individual level. 

‘We can’t speak any higher of her, she is an amazing coach and person,’ Mead continued. ‘She has brought such a great environment and culture into the team.

‘There is a lot of clarity to the way we play and as individuals. We have always got a Plan B, C and D. We all know how we play and the way we are playing is very good right now.

‘She makes it easy to be part of this team.’

She has become England’s record goal-scorer in the tournament, surpassing Jodie Taylor

Mead also lauded Wiegman, who she credits for creating a vibrant atmosphere in the camp