Euro 2025: England goalscorers Beth Mead and Ella Toone united by grief

Mead, whose mum was her “biggest motivation”, came off the bench to score England’s fifth against Wales and described their goals as “special”, particularly after both players struggled with their emotions in the tournament opener.

“We both said the first game we really struggled. You look to the stands for your person who was standing there and they are not there anymore. My mum was the first person I would look for in the stands, so I understand what Ella felt in that moment,” said Mead.

“It’s special to be able to have that moment to think about them and dedicate it to them.”

On her bond with Toone, she added: “I’ve been a shoulder to be there for her. There have been moments where she has asked, ‘is this normal? Does that feel normal? Why am I thinking this?’. I’m like, ‘it’s completely normal, I’ve been there and I still feel it now’.

“We have conversations about it and talk so easy about it but ultimately I’ve had a bit longer to process it compared to her. We all deal with it differently but she is dealing with it pretty amazingly now.”