Arsenal’s Bethmead was an outstanding England performer when he won the Euro 2022 title, but the decision by the beer company to use her name left Ian Wright Sheising
Arsenal icon Ian Wright stepped in to support England’s lioness star Beth Mead after the beer brand appeared to misuse her name for profit. Mead, who helped Britain win Spain in Sunday’s Euro 2025 final, worked with Camden Town Brewery in the previous European Championship campaign to launch custom drinks.
After England’s historic victory in 2022, the London-based brewery unveiled a short-term product named Golden Mead. In honor of Lioness’s achievements, we referred to Beth’s last name.
Proceeds from the drinks were promised to charities chosen by Mead himself. Wright, a strong supporter of women’s football in the last two euro tournaments and a BBC critic, has expressed approval of the charity aspect, but expressed concern about whether Mead was financially compensated for her involvement, highlighting that he would “pay her.”
“All good is to add a charity element to this,” he posted to X three years ago. “But Beth uses her name and is being paid appropriately to remind her of your brand? I’ll pay her.”
Camden Town Brewery later responded to Wright’s comments, confirming that Mead had approved the release in advance. According to the brewery, she may have personally selected charities to benefit from the initiative and deducted personal revenue from the campaign.
A spokesperson told the Express: “Before making it available to Camden and Footty fans, we made sure Beth knew Beer and she nominated herself as a charity partner, so all the money is a good reason — and we’ll match the donations.”
England claimed the title of UEFA Euro 2022 after a dramatic extra time victory over Germany. In the Euro 2025 Final, a penalty was required to separate the two teams they faced in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
Mariona Caldentie scored Spain midway through the first half, but England responded shortly after smashing Alesia Russo. Starting on the bench, Mead was able to add fresh energy in the regular closing minutes, but could not find a breakthrough.
Once the match ended in a draw, the outcome was determined by a penalty shootout. Mead stepped up to take England’s first spot kick, but was unable to find the back of the net. Alex Greenwood, Niam Charles and Chloe Kelly all held their nerves, changing penalties to secure a 3-1 shootout victory, winning the Lioness’s second consecutive European Championship title.
Mead only started once for England in the tournament, a 2-1 round loss to France, but came out of the bench with each subsequent match. She once found the net and scored Wales in the 6-1 group stage highlighted in the UK.
In that tournament, Mead scored six goals, securing both Golden Boots and Tournament Honors with outstanding performances. Her success was further recognized for her 2022 Sports Personality of the Year Award and runner-up at the Barondo Feminine.
Mead reportedly played for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League and earned an annual salary of £25,000. However, she received a £55,000 bonus from the FA following England’s Euro 2022 victory.
It remains to be seen whether a similar bonus scheme, or another limited edition Lioness-inspired beer will continue to follow this latest success.
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