Vivienne Miedema: No Friendship When England Clash Looms

Vivienne Miedema insists personal ties will be parked when the Netherlands meet England in Tuesday’s crunch Euro 2025 qualifier. The Vivienne Miedema narrative is compelling: the Arsenal forward is back from injury, hungry for goals and ready to sink a Lionesses side that features her partner, Beth Mead. Yet on the pitch, romance will be replaced by ruthless competitiveness as both nations chase a place at next summer’s finals.

Vivienne Miedema ready for a ruthless reunion

Speaking to Dutch media, Vivienne Miedema admitted the occasion will be “strange” but made it clear that sentiment stops at kick-off. “Tomorrow we won’t be friends,” she said. “Beth wants England to win, I want the Netherlands to win—that’s football.” The comment highlighted her unwavering professionalism and desire to help the Oranje finish top of Group A.

Relationship on pause as stakes sky-rocket

Miedema and Mead’s relationship has often stolen headlines, but Tuesday’s game is bigger than any love story. England sit third in the group after September’s surprise defeat in Utrecht. Another loss could leave Sarina Wiegman’s side on the brink of missing a major tournament for the first time since 2013. Meanwhile, the Dutch know a victory at Wembley would virtually guarantee qualification.

England’s form under scrutiny

The Lionesses enjoyed a dream run to the 2022 European crown, yet inconsistency has crept in since the World Cup final loss. Wiegman’s squad is still stacked with quality—Millie Bright returns, via Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo—but questions remain about balance in midfield and defensive lapses at set pieces. Mead’s own sharpness is also under the microscope after a lengthy ACL absence, although her recent brace against Scotland suggests she is nearing top speed.

Dutch momentum building again

Coach Andries Jonker has quietly rejuvenated the Netherlands since their disappointing Euro 2022 campaign. With Lieke Martens cutting in from the left, Daniëlle van de Donk pulling strings centrally and Vivienne Miedema operating as a false nine, the Oranje’s fluid 4-3-3 has regained its swagger. Dominant wins over Austria and Poland have boosted confidence, while captain Sherida Spitse’s set-piece threat offers another route to goal.

Key battles to watch at Wembley

• Miedema vs. Bright: The Dutch star’s ability to drop between the lines will test England’s returning centre-back.
• Mead vs. Pelova: Arsenal teammates turned rivals; Mead’s movement could exploit space behind Victoria Pelova if the full-back pushes high.
• Walti vs. Roord: The midfield duel between Lia Walti and Jill Roord could dictate tempo.

What the coaches are saying

Wiegman shrugged off the “friendly fire” narrative: “It’s nothing new—players face club teammates all the time. They’ll hug before and after, but during the match they’ll do everything to win.” Jonker echoed that sentiment, praising Vivienne Miedema for her focus: “She lives for big nights like this. I expect her to lead from the front.”

Historical edge favours the Lionesses

England have won four of the last five meetings, including a 5-1 friendly thumping in 2022 that announced their Euro intentions. Mead hit a hat-trick that night, while Vivienne Miedema limped off injured. The Dutch, however, still cherish memories of their 2017 semi-final victory en route to lifting the trophy on home soil. Tuesday’s duel therefore offers both sides a chance to reassert dominance.

Possible line-ups

England (4-2-3-1): Earps; Bronze, Bright, Greenwood, Daly; Walsh, Stanway; Mead, Toone, Hemp; Russo.

Netherlands (4-3-3): Van Domselaar; Pelova, Nouwen, Janssen, Wilms; Groenen, Roord, Van de Donk; Martens, Vivienne Miedema, Beerensteyn.

Prediction and what’s at stake

A draw keeps both sides alive, yet neither camp will settle for that. England’s home advantage and Mead’s habit of rising to grand stages suggest goals, but the Dutch arrive with better form and the sharpest striker in Europe. Expect fireworks in front of a near-capacity Wembley, where qualification hopes and bragging rights intertwine.

TV details and kick-off time

The match kicks off at 19:45 BST and will be shown live on BBC One in the UK, with international coverage via NOS in the Netherlands and UEFA.com streams in selected territories.

Opinion: Rivalry enriches the women’s game

Seeing Vivienne Miedema and Beth Mead put romance to one side epitomises the professionalism now driving elite women’s football. Personal narratives humanise the sport, but the sheer competitiveness on display proves that the women’s game has grown beyond feel-good stories—it’s about silverware, legacy and national pride. Tuesday’s qualifier, laced with world-class talent and genuine jeopardy, could be a watershed moment that amplifies interest ahead of Euro 2025.