The article features an interview with Jess Carter, a defender who played for England in the Euro 2025 final against Spain. The conversation touches on her personal struggles with racism and how it affected her performance in the tournament.
Carter mentions that she was subjected to racist abuse throughout the tournament, including from fans and opponents. She also talks about the emotional toll of dealing with such behavior, saying it made her feel "isolated" and "overwhelmed."
In response to Carter's struggles, her manager Sarina Wiegman reassured her that she would start the final against Spain. This move was seen as a vote of confidence in Carter, and she felt relieved to be included in the starting lineup.
During the game, Carter performed well, helping England win the penalty shootout. She reflects on this moment, saying it was "a huge weight lifted off my shoulders" and that having her teammates support her made all the difference.
The article also delves into Carter's experience as a player of color in football. She notes that she has faced scrutiny for making mistakes while playing, especially when compared to white players who make similar errors without being subjected to the same level of criticism.
Carter emphasizes the added pressure that comes with being a black female athlete. "For me, there's been clear examples of black players representing England where black players make the same mistake as white players but black players get scrutinised for it more," she says.
The interview provides insight into Carter's personal struggles and her experiences as a player in a sport often associated with racism and sexism.
Carter mentions that she was subjected to racist abuse throughout the tournament, including from fans and opponents. She also talks about the emotional toll of dealing with such behavior, saying it made her feel "isolated" and "overwhelmed."
In response to Carter's struggles, her manager Sarina Wiegman reassured her that she would start the final against Spain. This move was seen as a vote of confidence in Carter, and she felt relieved to be included in the starting lineup.
During the game, Carter performed well, helping England win the penalty shootout. She reflects on this moment, saying it was "a huge weight lifted off my shoulders" and that having her teammates support her made all the difference.
The article also delves into Carter's experience as a player of color in football. She notes that she has faced scrutiny for making mistakes while playing, especially when compared to white players who make similar errors without being subjected to the same level of criticism.
Carter emphasizes the added pressure that comes with being a black female athlete. "For me, there's been clear examples of black players representing England where black players make the same mistake as white players but black players get scrutinised for it more," she says.
The interview provides insight into Carter's personal struggles and her experiences as a player in a sport often associated with racism and sexism.
. And to think she was doubted by her own manager until Sarina Wiegman gave her a vote of confidence is just...wow 
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. It's like she can't make a mistake without being called out for it 
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. And Jess's teammate having her back during the game was just what she needed to calm down and perform well 
. Fingers crossed England can do it again in the future 
And now she's got the added pressure of being a black female athlete. I get it, mistakes happen, but she's not getting the same treatment as her white teammates... it's just unfair 
. I'm glad Sarina Wiegman stood up for her, though - that was a great move! 
this is wild, i mean cant imagine how hard it must be to deal with all that racist abuse, especially when its from fans who are supposed to be supporting you 
But seriously, it's like, she's already dealing with enough pressure, and then you gotta throw in racist abuse? Talk about a goal-keeper's nightmare! 
️ Can't wait to see how England's squad deals with the whole thing. Hopefully, they don't have to serve up any more penalties... like emotional ones, you feel me? 
. And honestly, who hasn't felt isolated when dealing with trolls online? But hey, at least Jess has a supportive squad to lean on 
. The thing that got me is how often these players are expected to be the poster children for 'overcoming' racism and sexism, while also performing under pressure 
. Like, can't we just acknowledge their humanity too? 
. I feel so bad for her, it must've been really tough to deal with.
i mean, she's an amazing player and should be judged on her skills on the field, not her background. and it's heartbreaking to hear about all the racist abuse she endured during the tournament 
.