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As relationship problems go, the situation Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema face in Zurich on Thursday evening is somewhat unique.
The Lionesses are in desperate need of a win in Switzerland to keep their title defence alive after their opening defeat to France, with their clash against the Netherlands a must-win.
But it's the off-pitch narrative between the long-term couple that has added extra intrigue to the build-up.
Dutch star striker Miedema has insisted she will ‘not hold back’ in her tackles against long-term partner Beth Mead as the pair prepare to go head-to-head in a bid for glory in Group D.
Miedema and Mead have been in a relationship for three years, having met while playing together at Arsenal.
But Miedema, the all-time top scorer in the Women’s Super League, left the Gunners at the start of last season and now plays for Manchester City.
Couple Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead are gearing up to do battle on the pitch at Euro 2025
The Dutch star striker warned her long-term girlfriend that she would not hold back against her
The couple met and began their relationship while they were playing together at Arsenal
While the two have already faced off in domestic competition this season, this marks the first time they will meet in a major international tournament.
Both missed the 2023 World Cup after suffering ACL injuries just weeks apart at the end of 2022.
With a place in the knockout stages on the line, Miedema made it clear that their relationship would be put to one side on Thursday night.
‘We both know what we’re going through,’ said the Netherlands No 9. ‘Our golden rule is we don’t discuss anything. I don’t know whether she’ll be starting tomorrow. For once, we will not be friends!’
‘As a Dutch player, I will do everything possible to win the game – all 23 of us, plus our staff. If it’s not a nice moment for Beth, it’s not a problem for me.’
Asked if she would be heartbroken should Mead and England be knocked out, Miedema replied: ‘I don’t think she’ll speak to me for a bit. I’ve also got some of my best friends in that team, but it’s just part of the game. I’ll be happy for us (the Netherlands) if we can get through tomorrow.’
‘It’s tough – I know I’m with Beth – but I’ve got some of my best friends in that team. That’s part of football. I’ve come up against this in club football before. I’ve probably been on the other end of it in the last couple of tournaments.’
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the tournament, Mead similarly stressed that football was off-limits between the couple when their loyalties were forced to be divided.
Mead previously insisted that they do not talk football with one another - especially ahead of a major clash
But the duo are supportive of one-another's careers, and frequently attend each other's games
The pair have been together since 2021 and are yet to face each other at a major international tournament - until Thursday night
Mead brought the couple's cocker spaniel Myle to England's training camp last month
'We keep in contact but when it gets closer to our games, we don't talk football whatsoever,' Mead said.
'Obviously, we want each other to do well, but not against each other!'
The couple share a dog, Myle, who was spotted at England’s training base at St George’s Park ahead of the squad’s departure for Switzerland, with Mead having kept the cocker spaniel with her at their home in London after Miedema moved to Manchester last summer.
Although Myle featured in Miedema's Manchester City signing announcement, Miedema previously told Mail Sport that 'she's not an Arsenal fan, she's not a City fan, she just loves her mummies'.
The pair also regularly attend each other’s games. Miedema was on the sidelines cheering Mead on during the Women’s Champions League final in May.
England must win their second Group D fixture, with the defending champions at risk of an early exit after a 2-1 defeat to France in their opening match on Saturday.
The match kicks off at 5pm UK time and will be shown live on BBC One.
