Beth Mead is Arsenal WFC and the Lionesses fearsome foreward. She’s basically one of the best strikers in the world and has won awards for her sharp-shooting skills! How much do you know about this England goal-getter? Here’s some jaw-dropping facts about her incredible football journey! 

1. She was born in Whitby!

Beth was born on 9 May 1995 in Whitby, which is a coastal town in North Yorkshire. She grew up playing lots of different sports, but it was football where she truly shone. She began playing when she was 6 years old!

2. She captained her school’s football team!

When she attended Oakridge Community Primary School in Hinderwell, she represented the boy’s team as there wasn’t a team for girls. She became the team captain and they won the primary school cup – by which time, four girls were in the side!

3. She played for Sunderland for five seasons!

She spent six years as part of Middlesborough’s academy and scored three goals in a game against Sunderland. She joined Sunderland when she was 16!

4. She has a degree in Sports Development!

While she was playing at Sunderland, she studied for a degree at Teesside University. It’s said she turned down an offer from Arsenal so she could complete her studies!

5. She’s played for England in every age group!

Beth has represented in the U15, U17, U19, U20, U23 and senior categories.

6. She signed for Arsenal in 2017!

After a lengthy spell at Sunderland – and studying for a degree – Beth signed for Arsenal in January 2017. Arsenal went on to win the 2017–18 FA Women’s League Cup, beating Manchester City 1-0 at Adams Park, High Wycombe.

7. She scored on her England senior debut!

Beth made her full senior debut in September 2018, and hit the back of the net twice in 6–0 victory over Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifying match.

8. She’s a hero!

After her skills at the 2019 World Cup, Beth was awarded the Yorkshire Post Sports Hero of 2019!

9. She’s in the history books!

She was the first woman to score a hat-trick at Wembley for England. England beat Northern Ireland in October, 2021 and Beth hit the net three times in less than 15 minutes! Bethany England scored, er, England’s fourth goal.

10. She won the WSL Golden Boot when she was just 20!

At the end of the 2015 season, Beth was awarded the WSL Golden Boot after netting 12 goals in 14 appearances.

11. She has a “magical” right foot!

On the Arsenal website, they describe the England star as having a “magical” right foot and say she’s one of best crossers of a ball in world football. We’ve seen her play and agree!

12. She loved ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ as a child!

When she was a small child, Beth’s favourite book was The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. “We used to joke in my family that I was a hungry caterpillar!” she revealed in an interview with the Evening Standard newspaper. “I also used to love reading books like Paddington and fairy tales as well. I was a big reader growing up and now I feel like I’m living my own fairy tale doing something I love.”

13. She’s has a Euros winner’s medal!

In 2022, Beth was part of the England squad which lifted the UEFA Women’s Championship! After sailing through the early stages, they beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley in a thrilling game which went into extra time!

14. She took home more than a winner’s medal at the 2022 Euros!

Not only was Beth and integral part of England’s Euro 2022 victory, she won Player of the Tournament and was awarded the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in six games.

15. She’s an MBE!

In the 2023 New Year Honours list, Beth was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to football.