Lionesses: Beth Mead admits being sub is ‘not easy’ but is happy with role shift ahead of Euro semi-final

England forward Beth Mead says she is embracing her new role as an impact substitute ahead of the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 showdown with Italy on Tuesday.

Mead, who was the Golden Boot winner and named player of the tournament when England won the tournament in 2022, has started just one game so far in Switzerland, finding the net in the 6-1 win over Wales in their final Group D game.

England emerged victorious in their quarter-final clash against Sweden courtesy of a penalty shoot-out at the end of what was a thrilling encounter in Zurich.

Sarina Wiegman’s side came from two goals down to draw level before going on to win the shoot-out 3-2 and progress to face Italy as they look to defend their Euros crown.

WE NEVER QUIT.

ENGLAND ARE IN THE #WEURO2025 SEMI-FINALS ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Gu8o4Vxc3Z

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 17, 2025

The match underpinned the importance of those coming off the bench and, while Mead has been one of the standout performers during Wiegman’s tenure as England manager, she has found opportunities to start matches this summer limited.

As the Lionesses prepare to try and reach a third-straight tournament final, Mead acknowledges that her role in the squad has changed.

“You’ve got to be ready to go into the moment,” Mead said in an interview with BBC Sport.

“You’ve got to be ready to go into a position that you might not want to play or don’t normally play in and that was what was different for me [against Sweden].

“I ended up playing in midfield as a number six and then I was a number 10 – I changed position a few times in the game and I loved it.

“I love being on the pitch, I love being able to do what I can do for the team but they’re the things that you have to be able to do as a player.

“You have to expect the unexpected and be willing to do what you need to do for the team and the greater good.”

Mead embracing a “shift of my role” in the squad

Following the Lionesses’ triumph at Wembley three years ago, Mead was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and came runner-up in the Ballon d’Or and Uefa Player of the Year Awards that year.

The 30-year-old Arsenal player missed the World Cup in 2023 through injury, a campaign that saw England go all the way to the final where they were beaten by Spain.

And while she admitted the reduced playing time was tough, she insists doing what is best for the team remains her priority.

“It’s not easy when you know you’re not starting and you’re playing well or whatever but I think that’s what has set us apart as a team,” Mead added.

“The togetherness, the willingness to try to make each other better, to try to make each other feel like we can figure it out.

“That’s something that I’ve also seen as a shift of my role. I really know how important that is – from being a starter to being competitive in training – to make us better. So far I think we’re doing a good job of that.”

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