England women’s football team makes Euro history with spellbinding 8-0 victory over Norway
Beth Mead of England celebrates after scoring her team’s fifth goal with teammates during the UEFA Women’s Euro England 2022 group A match between England and Norway at Brighton at Hove Community Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Thor Wegner/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
England beat Norway in a record-breaking 8-0 victory at the Women’s Euros, guaranteeing them a place at the quarter-finals.
The England women’s team made history at Brighton’s Amex Stadium on Monday night (11 July), scoring eight goals in a single match, something that has never been done in a men’s or women’s Euro match.
England will now reach the quarter-finals with skyrocketing momentum behind them. As a Group A team, their opponent will be runner-up of Group B.
After a notably underwhelming first few minutes, where Norway displayed dominance, a 12th-minute penalty by Georgia Stanway jumpstarted a historical run of goals that those who were attending will scarcely forget.
Among the players to score was queer forward Beth Mead, who bagged a hat-trick, cementing England’s dominance during the game.
By the end of the match, England coach Sarina Wiegman told BBC Sport she wanted her side to “entertain” the Brighton crowd.
“It was a very special night, we didn’t expect to make such a big win, but we played really well,” she continued.
“We really exploited their weaknesses and we’re really happy – but at the same time, it’s just one game. We’ll enjoy the moment but we’ll stay really grounded.”
The record-breaking match came as a huge surprise to both fans and players alike after England’s somewhat underwhelming win against Austria on 6 July. The team’s one and only goal was pulled off by Arsenal winger Fran Kirby just after the 16-minute mark.
During the Austria game, England hit 15 shots, with five on target. Comparatively, their Norway game saw a whopping 25 shots and 15 shots on target.
“I keep saying I’m really enjoying my football, I love being part of this team,” Mead said in an interview with the BBC.
“Honestly, it’s an incredible feeling to feel how I do right now. I don’t think I even dreamt of this but I’m just so happy I could get the goals again.”
Beth Mead of England celebrates with Lauren Hemp after scoring her sides fifth goal during the UEFA Women’s Euro England 2022 group A match between England and Norway at Brighton & Hove Community Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
The England women’s team unveiled its Euro 2022 squad last month on 16 June. Using a smart mix of younger and more experienced players, manager Wiegman expressed her excitement for “what is possible for this group.”
The team also includes several LGBTQ+ players, including Beth Mead, veteran Jill Scott, midfielder Rachel Daly and Demi Stokes.
This isn’t the first time Mead has scored a hat trick. Her iconic 14-minute goal trifecta in April 2022 proves more than anything that she’s a worthy competitor on the field.
Midfielder Jill Scott’s time on the team has surpassed 150 caps. The 35-year-old made her England debut in 2006 and has been a valuable player to the team ever since, having played in the 2009 and 2011 World Cups and four Euros.
