- Lionesses forward is overwhelming bookies’ pick for BBC crown
- Stokes’ sparkling England Test captaincy expected to earn votes
Beth Mead leads a six strong shortlist for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year award, with Ben Stokes and Ronnie O’Sullivan also among the contenders.
Mead is the overwhelming favourite to take the trophy after a stellar year for England and Arsenal. The forward was instrumental in the Lionesses’ triumph at the women’s European Championship this summer, scoring the most goals and creating the most goal assists and chances in the tournament. She also created 64 chances for her Arsenal teammates over the calendar year in the WSL.