Beth Mead: ‘I told Saka just to curtsy when he sees me!’

The Arsenal and England footballer on her MBE, her terrible singing voice – and the best and worst year of her life

Beth Mead became a national hero last summer as the breakout star of the England women’s team who triumphed at the 2022 Euros. The 28-year-old Arsenal forward followed that by winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and being made an MBE. She will, however, miss this summer’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament last November. Born in Yorkshire, Mead now lives in Hertfordshire with her partner, fellow Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema. Mead’s debut book for younger readers, the nonfiction Roar – which aims to inspire children to pursue their dreams – is out this month.

You’ve had a busy few weeks: it’s been your birthday and you’ve been presented with an MBE. What’s been the highlight?
Well, in football terms I’m getting old now, so my birthday is not a happy thing any more! Obviously, I don’t think you can top the MBE. I met Prince William, we got to go to Windsor Castle – that was pretty surreal. And I got to do it with my dad, my brother and my partner, Viv, so that was a very proud moment.