Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, who have been dating for three years, have insisted they only want to win for their team, even if it means one of them will go home from the Euros
When England takes on the Netherlands in the Women’s Euro 2025, one Lioness will be fighting head to head with her girlfriend to stay in the tournament. Last month England’s Beth Mead and Dutch superstar Vivianne Miedema celebrated their three year anniversary.
But tomorrow night the pair will become fierce rivals as both admitted that they ‘want to win’, with England desperate to dodge an early flight home from the Euros. And among thousands of English fans in the stands, Prince William will also be cheering on the girls. The future king had already visited the team ahead of their departure to Switzerland, but has flown to Zurich to give them a royal boost at the crucial match.
After being drawn against each other Beth and partner Vivianne, who live together in St Albans, Hertfordshire said: “It was inevitable.” Beth added: “When the draw was made, we both sat there and said ‘of course that’s happened’.
“We’re both very, very competitive and professional. We’re both excited for the tournament and to be able to play in it again. We keep in contact but when it gets closer to our games, we don’t talk football whatsoever. Obviously, we want each other to do well but not against each other.”
Dutch captain, Miedema, 28, scored her 100th goal for her country against Wales last week, which saw the Dragons defeated 3-0 in their Euros debut. And after England suffered a 2-1 loss to France in their opening game, the Lionesses match against the Netherlands will now decide their fate in the Swiss tournament.
Asked if she celebrated her girlfriend’s landmark goal, Whitby-born Beth, 30, candidly said: “I was sat watching so I cheered for her, but that’s the only time I’ll be cheering for her in the tournament.”
Speaking ahead of the match today Vivianne insisted she was ‘proud to play in an orange jersey’ and would do everything to defeat the English. But the Dutch striker said for the sake of her relationship ‘it will be good to get it over and done with’ and said Beth probably ‘wont speak to her for a bit’ if England are beaten.
She said: “For every English fan this is a very special game, but it will be good to get it over and done with. We (Beth and I) both know what we are going through. Our golden rule is we can discuss anything but the game.
“Tomorrow for once we will not be friends. As a Dutch player I will do everything possible to win the game, if it’s not a nice result for Beth then it’s not a problem for me and I will be very happy.”
But asked how she thinks Beth will react if she knocks England from the tournament, Vivianne added: “I don’t think she’ll speak to me for a bit, It’s tough. I know I’m with Beth, but I’ve also got someone of my best friends in that team. But that’s part of football… it’s just part of the game.”
Asked about whether the dynamic between Beth and Vivianne had played into England’s game plan, boss Sarina Wiegman became frustrated yesterday asking reporters “do you think I am busy thinking about these matters”.
Sarina insisted: “We are only focusing on our game plan and dealing with our players. I want to do everything possible to win the game.”
