Jess Carter's defiant racism message after starring in England's Euro 2025 win
England's Jess Carter says the support of fans in the blockbuster Euro 2025 semi-final "meant everything" after being racially abused.
The 27-year-old defender stressed she wouldn't have had the confidence to play in the 2-1 victory without the encouragement of supporters at the Stade de Geneve. They chanted her name throughout the match and applauded in the 16th minute in reference to her squad number.
And Carter came on as a substitute in extra time as the defending champions held out for a comeback victory against Andrea Soncin's stubborn side. Speaking after the jaw-dropping tie, Carter said: "It meant everything... Without that I wouldn't have felt the confidence to come out on to the pitch, whether for the last three minutes or not."
The defender, who plays for Gotham FC in New York, thanked fans and her teammates, who stuck to their words and refused to take the knee ahead of the clash. The players made the collective decision as they "want more action to be made" in the fight against racism.
England book place in Euro 2025 final after incredible fightback against Italy
Carter, who used to play for Birmingham City and Chelsea, told BBC Sport: "I'm not sure I would have had the courage to be available to support my team. They've allowed me to do that, so I can't be more grateful to everyone who has shown support.
"I'm super grateful to them. I hope they bring that energy for every single minute of every single game for every single one of our players because they were loud and amazing... The love I felt was incredible, so thank you so much."
Carter has taken a step away from social media following the vile abuse received during the tournament in Switzerland. While her starting teammates stood still ahead of kick off last night, substitutes, including Carter, gathered on the touchline with their arms linked in a show of solidarity.
England boss Sarina Wiegman said the impact of taking the knee - seen in recent years as an anti-racism gesture - was "not good enough".
When asked to describe her emotions on the touchline, Carter added: "I was trying to focus on not crying.
"[Standing together] was about bringing awareness back to racism, that it's still here and present and that people are still having to put up with it."
"I'm not saying massive change is going to be made but we wanted to make the point again to people sending hateful comments. We're here to try to do well for your country, perform for your country."
The Lionesses trailed a large section of the game after Barbara Bonansea's goal - the first time any Italian player touched the ball in the England box - but substitute Michelle Agyemang's added time goal sent the tie to extra time. Chloe Kelly secured victory with penalties looming and now England face either Germany or Spain on Sunday in the final.
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