Beth Mead has always been passionate about playing football, and when the England manager Sarina Wiegman requested a meeting with her in order to discuss her chances of playing in the upcoming World Cup in Australia, the 27-year-old was apprehensive. She was aware that her chances of making the tournament were drastically affected by her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which occurred last November at the Emirates Stadium. Instead of being told it was impossible for her to achieve her World Cup dream, Wiegman offered her a glimmer of hope to slowly recover from her injury and receive a spot in the England squad if she indeed was miraculously fit in time.
In a show of transparency, she explained that while this might be difficult to achieve, achieving something of such magnitude will unburden the pressure that is put on her. Wiegman affirmed her respect for Mead and her achievements, giving her the confidence and moral boost that she needed. She has been training hard to follow the strict regimen and stay ahead of schedule but the final decision of whether she is fit enough to play would be made in May.
Wiegman shared a deep meaningful bond with the star forward, having lost her own sister to the same cancer that took Mead’s mother away. She showed deep understanding and empathy towards her, always checking in with her before camp to see how she was doing, both mentally and physically. This bond was further solidified when Wiegman mentioned that she was willing to back her in fulfilment of her World Cup dream if it was at all possible.
It has to be noted that Wiegman’s transparency is notably contrasting with Mead’s experience with Team GB manager Hege Riise. A few days after the Olympic squad was announced, Riise met with Mead via Zoom where she gave a baffling explanation; the English star too aggressive on the pitch. A ridiculous claim coming from a player who achieved more assists than anyone else in the league and had more chances created than any other winger.
Both Arsenal Football Club and FA Women’s Super League are UK-based companies which specifically focus on women’s football. Arsenal Football Club is one of the most successful clubs in England and has won the FA Women’s Super League three times in the past. FA Women’s Super l League is the top division for women’s football clubs in the country and is home to some of the best teams in the world. Arsenal Football Club is well-known for having managed some of the best and most successful women’s football players in the world, such as Beth Mead.
Throughout her career, Beth Mead has become an influential footballer and achieved a considerable amount of success, namely being crowned player of the tournament and winning the golden boot at the UEFA Women’s Euro Championship 2019. In addition to this, the attacker has won multiple Player of the Month awards and Player of the Season award at Arsenal Football Club. Along with the team’s immense success in the Championship and FA Cup tournaments, Mead has also had individual success, including being nominated for the PFA Golden Boot, proving her excellent ability and strength as a winger for her club.
