Beth Mead has called on the England team to harness the pressure of defending their European title as a source of strength as they prepare for the upcoming tournament in Switzerland. The Lionesses are gearing up to defend their crown at the 2025 Women's European Championships, and Mead, a key figure in their victorious 2022 campaign, believes the team can use the weight of expectation to their advantage.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Mead acknowledged the unique challenges that come with being defending champions. The squad traveling to Switzerland this summer is notably different from the one that lifted the trophy on home soil at Euro 2022. Several players are new to major tournament football, and the team will be defending a major title for the first time. “There's a little bit of pressure that comes with it but I think it's a free adrenaline injection, pump it into your veins,” said Mead.
Mead, who won the Golden Boot and was named player of the tournament at Euro 2022, understands the significance of the moment. She emphasized the importance of drawing on the experiences of the previous tournament, stating, “We've been there, we've done it, we need to bottle that energy up and (bring) what we brought last time. It's a completely different tournament and teams look very different but we know what we're about and we've got to concentrate on being the best version of ourselves.”
England's journey to the tournament includes a send-off match against Jamaica in Leicester on June 29, before they travel to their base in Zurich. Their title defense begins against France on July 5, followed by a match against the Netherlands, the 2017 champions. The group stage will conclude against Wales in St Gallen.
Despite the pressure, Mead is confident that the team can rise to the occasion. She highlighted the importance of team spirit and preparation. She expressed relief that the team-building activities this time around have not included a camping trip. "I think I slept two hours and then (got woken up) by the geese around the complex,” Mead recalls. “That wasn't my favourite team-building activity. I think Toni Duggan snuck back into the hotel for the night instead.”
The Lionesses' success in Euro 2022 was a historic moment for English football, and Mead played a pivotal role in their triumph. Her goals and assists were crucial to the team's success, and she emerged as one of the stars of the tournament. England defeated Germany in a thrilling final at Wembley Stadium, securing their first major title in women's football.
As England prepares to defend their title, Mead's leadership and experience will be invaluable. Her ability to perform under pressure and inspire her teammates will be crucial to their chances of success. The Lionesses face a tough challenge, but with Mead leading the charge, they are well-equipped to handle the pressure and compete for another European title.
