By Nicole Powell
England are into the Euro 2025 semi-finals, but the focus heading into the Italy clash has shifted off the pitch. Their centre-back, Jess Carter, has been subjected to racist abuse.
Sarina Wiegman didn’t hold back, calling it “ridiculous and disgusting,” and adding that “It goes beyond football.”
Georgia Stanway was just as blunt: “To us, the people are sending the abuse, the people that are saying these things and doing things like this, they are not fans.”
Carter is still in the mix to play. Wiegman said she’s “ready to perform” and “compete,” and made it clear that “it says a lot about her and the team” that they’ve stuck together in the middle of it all.
England to stop taking the knee
The squad also made a joint decision to stop taking the knee before matches, saying it’s time to “find another way to tackle racism.” They said they hope standing will “stimulate more conversation and change.”
Wiegman admitted conversations were had with Carter after the abuse, and praised her strength. “Jess [Carter] is a very strong person and she wants to move on too,” she said.
This isn’t just about a semi-final anymore. England want to “send a message to the world.” They’ve made it clear they’re not just here to play football.
Italy support
Italy, meanwhile, will be playing in their first women’s European Championship semi-final in 28 years – and head coach Andrea Soncin threw his backing to Carter.
Soncin told a press conference: “Of course there is the greatest solidarity towards her and towards all violence and abuse situations.
“Any type of violence is not accepted, cannot be tolerated. Because of the role we play, we have a strong and huge responsibility in giving positive messages, and especially educational messages, first of all for the children who will be the adults of tomorrow.
“It is a cultural campaign, a cultural battle, we all have to fight together.”
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Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers 
Ren Azrack Escosio