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"When the draw for the Euros happened, we both looked at each other and said, 'Of course that would happen!'"
She refers to her partner Vivianne Miedema, who plays for both the Netherlands and Manchester City, and the fact that the Lionesses are set to compete against the Dutch in Group D during the European Championship taking place in Switzerland.
The competition begins on Wednesday, with the pair scheduled to meet in Zurich on July 9, and the game will be broadcast live.
"We both have a very strong competitive spirit and are professional. We are thrilled to participate in the tournament once again," stated Arsenal forward Mead.
The couple has been together since 2022 and both have tasted success at the Euros, with Miedema claiming victory in 2017 and Mead following suit five years later.
Unfortunately, both missed the 2023 World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries that occurred within a month of one another at the end of 2022.
They have each worked hard to regain full fitness for Euro 2025. Their communication is frequent, but football discussions are kept to a minimum.
"We stay in touch, but as our matches approach, we avoid football conversations entirely," said Mead.
"Of course, we want each other to succeed, just not when we face off!"
One recurring topic in their conversations is their dog Myle, who joined their family while they were recovering from their ACL injuries.
Mead has been lucky since Myle (pronounced My-lee) was permitted to accompany her during England's training at St George's Park.
"She’s like our little mascot," Mead expressed about Myle, a working cocker spaniel.
"The girls and the coaching staff adore her. It's been wonderful to have her around."
Myle has received plenty of affection and has enjoyed walks, even becoming an unexpected highlight during a recent Lionesses photoshoot and making a guest appearance on a podcast.
However, she will not attend Euro 2025 and will instead be cared for by a pet sitter.
"I'm going to miss her a whole lot, and Viv already feels the same," Mead mentioned.
She netted six goals for England in Euro 2022 and earned the title of player of the tournament.
Now at the age of 30, Mead is confident that the team has what it takes to defend their championship title.
"Clearly, the squad has changed significantly," she noted. "We've seen retirements, new players have entered, and young talent is participating in their first tournament, but I believe we have a strong mix right now.
"We're heading there with the intention to win — that's our goal. We're aware of the pressure on us as defending champions, but now we need to deliver consistently at our best, which we know we can achieve."
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