England Stars Beth Mead and Ella Toone Bond Over Shared Grief After Scoring in Euro 2025 Victory

England's football stars Beth Mead and Ella Toone have found strength in each other after both endured the heartbreaking loss of a parent. Their emotional connection was on full display during England's dominant 6-1 victory over Wales in the Euro 2025 tournament, where both players scored and dedicated their goals to their late loved ones.

Midfielder Ella Toone, who netted England's second goal and provided two assists, expressed her belief that her father and Mead's mother were watching proudly from above. "I’m sure they’ll be up there with a few pints in their hands watching us," she said after the match. Toone's father, Nick, was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after England's Euro 2022 triumph and passed away in September 2024.

Forward Beth Mead, the standout player of Euro 2022, lost her mother, June, to ovarian cancer in January 2023. Mead, who came off the bench to score England's fifth goal against Wales, described the moment as "special" and a tribute to her mother, who was her biggest supporter. "My mum was the first person I would look for in the stands, so I understand what Ella felt in that moment," Mead shared.

The two players have leaned on each other for support, forming a deep bond through their shared grief. "We have really bonded over such a terrible thing, but it's nice to have someone who has been through it as well and who understands," Toone said. Mead echoed this sentiment, stating, "I’ve been a shoulder to be there for her. We have conversations about it and talk so easily about it."

Both players have openly discussed their struggles, with Toone revealing that she didn’t fully grieve her father’s passing until she was sidelined with a hamstring injury last November. Mead, who has had more time to process her loss, has been a guiding presence for Toone. "She is dealing with it pretty amazingly now," Mead added.

As England advances to the quarter-finals of Euro 2025, the bond between Mead and Toone continues to inspire both their teammates and fans. Their emotional journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity that can emerge from personal tragedy.