Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall hails ‘incredible’ Beth Mead and Leah Williamson after England win Euro 2022

Arsenal women’s manager Jonas Eidevall reserved special praise for England stars Beth Mead and Leah Williamson after the Lionesses beat Germany to win Euro 2022.

England created history by winning their first major women’s tournament against arch-rivals and eight-time champions Germany at Wembley.

Substitute Chloe Kelly scored the winner in extra-time after Lina Magull set up a nervous ending by cancelling out Ella Toone’s opener in normal time.

This is England’s first-ever European Championship triumph and their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.

Arsenal boss Eidevall was on pundit duties for BBC and singled out two of his own players for praise after England’s historic Euros victory.

Mead was named Player of the Tournament and the Golden Boot winner after England lifted the trophy, while Williamson captained the team to glory, enjoying a brilliant tournament in the process.

‘England were a team clear on their roles,’ Eidevall said. ‘They have been coming back.

‘They have been playing teams with more or less possession. You could see the energy Chloe Kelly was bringing. She was encouraging the crowd.

‘Beth Mead has been incredible in these Euros. Leah Williamson hasn’t put a foot wrong. She’s so young.

‘This is the first time starting games in a major tournament. As a captain she’s been a phenomenal leader.

‘It comes to clearness and communication. I spoke to some of my players before the Euros. Sarina Wiegman had one-to-one talks with each of them – “I see you as a starter, I see you as a impact player”.

‘They knew before they were coming in what was expected of them. Once I heard that I immediately had a feeling this is going to be a great Euros for England.

‘I hadn’t worked with Beth Mead before. Same with Sarina