For Beth Mead, 2022 was a tempestuous year. The summer was glorious: the Arsenal forward was named Player of the Tournament and finished top goalscorer as England became European champions. However, a knee injury sustained in November left Mead facing a lengthy and gruelling recovery. At all times, music has been a vital companion. In challenging periods such as the road back from injury, the right songs provide motivation and support. “I like a mixture,” she tells Apple Music. “I like to be in my feels with a meaningful slow song, but when I’m in the gym and ready to smash a physical session, it’s nice to get an upbeat tune on to get you going. When I’m having a day where I’m tired and need a pick-me-up to get ready to train, I put music on. It affects my mood and motivates me to be in my best mental state before a session.” Songs are also a key element of Mead’s pre-match routine. “Music is a great place to switch off, get in the zone and enjoy the vibes of the song you’re listening to,” she says. “Most upbeat songs get me in the mood and motivate me. I love listening to music before the game, I’m not too picky and the team DJ is a good crowd-pleaser. By playing new and old songs, it just keeps me calm and chill while I prepare in my own way.” Here, she talks us through a few keys tracks from her hand-picked playlist. The 1975, “Oh Caroline” “This song is played a lot at the club with Arsenal, the team love it. We maybe overplay it, but it reminds me of the incredible team I have around me.” Neil Diamond, “Sweet Caroline” “Pumped with some incredible memories from this summer [with England]. Played after every game we won during the Euros. Gives me goosebumps every time.” Kelly Clarkson, “Breakaway” “Old school but I played it a lot in my football career on the way to games or in the changing room, and it never fails to make me smile.” Robbie Williams, “Angels” “My mum’s favourite song. She is my world and inspiration and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. So it means a lot to me that it’s her fave and she’s my fave.”