Skip to main content
Published 31 May 2024 4 min read
England Women's Senior Team

Beth Mead: "We were the better team"

Written by:

Adam Drury

The Lionesses goalscorer and skipper Leah Williamson react to a frustrating 2-1 defeat at St James' Park

REPORT: ENGLAND 1-2 FRANCE

Beth Mead felt England played the best of the football in their defeat to France at St James' Park on Friday evening, despite losing 2-1.

Mead had earned the Lionesses the lead on the half-hour mark but the visitors scored either side of the break from set-pieces to take the three points.

The hosts pushed for an equaliser in the final 20 minutes and their forward believes they were unfortunate to come away from the game with nothing.

She told ITV: "We're disappointed and frustrated. I actually thought we were the better team, created more chances and the keeper made a really good save in the first half.

"It was a tough game and there was a lot of quality on show but small margins won them the game today."

Goalkeeper Mary Earps hobbled out of the game early and despite Mead's opener, England seemed to struggle for tempo in the early stages.

And the Arsenal star knows they will need to be even sharper if they are to get a result from Tuesday's reverse fixture in Saint-Etienne.

Beth Mead celebrates her goal against France on Friday
Beth Mead celebrates her goal against France on Friday

She said: "You don't want to lose your number one like that but Hannah [Hampton] came on, made an amazing save and was amazing with her feet.

"We need to get our rhythm in the game earlier and then we set ourselves up to play and perform better over 90 minutes.

"The reception here was amazing, the atmosphere was great through the game. It's just a shame the goal couldn't win us the game. We've got to get straight to recovery analyse the game.

"We've got to not give away set-pieces and stop conceding from them. We need to rectify that and change it for Tuesday."

Leah Williamson cuts a frustrated figure during England's defeat to France
Leah Williamson cuts a frustrated figure during England's defeat to France

Captain Leah Williamson agreed that set-pieces must be an area of focus over the next four days.

She said: "We're really disappointed because the game was there to be won. It was a fantastic occasion. Two set-pieces, second balls, not good enough. I think we played well but two set-pieces have killed us.

"There's an element of luck to these things but first and second contact we need to be better and we will be better on Tuesday.

"We need to be ruthless and put the ball in the back of the net. That's a must-win game now so we need to bring the energy, stay tight and put them under pressure."