The highly anticipated clash between England and the Netherlands at the Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland on July 9th has added spice due to the relationship between two star players: England's Beth Mead and the Netherlands' Vivianne Miedema. The pair, who have been together since 2022 and were formerly teammates at Arsenal, will put their friendship aside as they represent their respective nations in a crucial Group D match.

Miedema has declared that the two "will not be friends" during the match. She added that she would be "very happy" if she played a part in knocking the Lionesses out of the tournament.

Both Mead and Miedema are aware of the stakes and the inevitable nature of their encounter. "It was inevitable," Mead said, adding, "When the draw was made, we both sat there and said, 'Of course that's happened!'". Despite their close bond, both players have emphasized that their professionalism will take over once they step onto the pitch. "We're both very, very competitive and professional," Mead stated.

To maintain focus and avoid unnecessary tension, Mead revealed that they minimize football-related conversations as the game approaches. "We keep in contact, but when it gets closer to our games, we don't talk football whatsoever," she explained. "Obviously, we want each other to do well—but not against each other!". Miedema echoed this sentiment, stating, "The golden rule tomorrow is we can talk about anything, just not football".

Mead and Miedema have both experienced the highs of winning major international tournaments. Miedema was a key player in the Netherlands' Euro 2017 victory, scoring twice in the final, while Mead played a starring role in England's Euro 2022 triumph, earning the Player of the Tournament award. Both players also had to take time off for the 2023 World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

The match holds significant implications for both teams. England, the current titleholders, are looking to defend their crown, while the Netherlands, winners in 2017, are aiming to reclaim the title. The game is particularly crucial for England, as a loss to the Netherlands could potentially knock them out of the Euros after just two games.

Miedema recently scored her 100th goal for the Netherlands in their 3-0 win over Wales to start Euro 2025. Mead acknowledged Miedema's scoring achievement but insisted it would be the last time she celebrated one of Miedema's goals at Euro 2025. "I was sat watching so I cheered for her, but that's the only time I'll be cheering for her in the tournament," she said.

Despite the strong connection between the two players, both are focused on the game. "We will not be friends tomorrow," Miedema stated. "If it's not a nice moment for Beth, it is not a problem for me. I will be very happy tomorrow [if Netherlands go through]".