The journey to Euro 2025 has been paved with both triumph and profound grief for England's Ella Toone and Beth Mead, forging an unbreakable bond between the two Lionesses. Their shared experiences of loss have intertwined their lives, creating a unique connection that fuels their determination to shine on the field.
Both Toone and Mead have experienced the pain of losing a parent in recent years. Mead's mother, June, passed away from ovarian cancer in January 2023, while Toone's father, Nick, succumbed to prostate cancer in September of last year. These personal tragedies have added a layer of depth to their relationship, fostering a mutual understanding and empathy that transcends the sport.
The impact of their grief was palpable in the opening game of Euro 2025, where both players felt the absence of their loved ones in the stands. Mead poignantly expressed that her mother was the first person she would always look for. Toone, after scoring in England's dominant 6-1 victory over Wales, pointed to the sky, dedicating her goal to her father.
Despite the emotional challenges, both Toone and Mead have found strength in their shared experiences and have used their grief as motivation to excel. Mead lauded Toone's performance against Wales as "unbelievable," recognizing her teammate's resilience and determination. She noted that Toone is "really coming into her own" and possesses an aura and energy that reflects her hard work and perseverance.
Toone's journey through grief has been transformative. She penned an article in The Players Tribune as a way to understand and process her loss. By the start of 2025, she emerged as a changed player, carrying that transformation into the Euros.
England's path to the Euro 2025 quarter-finals has been marked by resilience and tactical adjustments. After an initial defeat to France, the Lionesses bounced back with a 4-0 victory over the Netherlands and a 6-1 thrashing of Wales. Toone's inclusion in the starting lineup, replacing Mead in one match, proved to be a masterstroke, allowing Lauren James to move wide and Toone to occupy a central, playmaking role. This tactical tweak has unleashed Toone's creativity and vision, enabling her to link up effectively with the attack.
In the match against Wales, Toone was instrumental, scoring a goal and providing two assists. Her goal, a precise shot into the top corner, showcased her technical ability, while her assists for Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo demonstrated her playmaking prowess. Mead also contributed to the victory, scoring a goal of her own and assisting Aggie Beever-Jones.
England's strong performance has instilled confidence within the team, with Toone declaring that Sweden "should be scared" ahead of their quarter-final clash. The Lionesses' ability to overcome adversity and their potent attack, with multiple players capable of scoring, makes them a formidable opponent.
The bond between Ella Toone and Beth Mead exemplifies the power of human connection in the face of adversity. Their shared grief has strengthened their friendship and fueled their determination to honor their loved ones on the field. As they continue their Euro 2025 campaign, their unity and resilience will undoubtedly inspire their teammates and fans alike.
