The Lionesses’ impressive victory set a new record for the highest margin of victory in the history of the women’s European Championship finals, surpassing their own record in 2017 when they beat Scotland 6-0. England scored six of their eight goals in the first half of the match at Brighton’s Amex Stadium, with the last coming in the 81st minute courtesy of Arsenal’s Beth Meade, giving them a hat-trick. “I can’t put it into words … I love being a part of this team and I love every minute of it,” Mead said after the game. Asked about her hat-trick, she added: “I don’t think I even dreamed of it – I’m very happy that I was able to get the goals to help the team again. “Amazing night. The girls have to enjoy this night, we have to enjoy the moments, and this is one of the best.” Manchester United’s Alessia Russo also had a personal reason to celebrate after scoring her first goal in a major competition.
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The moment came in the 66th minute of the match and gave England their seventh goal. Image: England’s Ellen White celebrates after scoring her team’s sixth goal with teammate Beth Meade Image: Georgia Stanway celebrates Georgia Stanway gave the Lyonesses their first goal of the game on a penalty, with Lauren Hebb scoring the second just three minutes later. Ellen White scored just before half-time and Mead made it four in the 34th minute. Five minutes later, she scored her second goal of the night as she went past Norway’s Julia Blakstad and Maria Thorisdottir before coolly slotting the ball past a helpless Guro Pettersen. White then managed to score again just before half time. The team are now unbeaten in all 16 games under manager Sarina Wiegman, scoring 93 goals and conceding just three in that time. While the Lionesses still have one group game to play, which will be against Northern Ireland on Friday, the win gives them a free pass into the quarter-finals. Norway was predicted to be England’s toughest game in the group. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland are out of the competition after losing 2-0 to Austria. They conceded goals in each half in the game at Southampton.
