Jess Carter England Women 2025Getty Images
Ritabrata Banerjee

'I was super scared to play' - Jess Carter makes heartbreaking admission after Lionesses beat Spain to win Euro 2025 final

Former Chelsea defender Jess Carter made a heartbreaking admission after playing an important part in England Women's Euro 2025 triumph over world champions Spain on Sunday. Carter claimed that she was 'scared' to take the field in Basel after being the victim of racist abuse, however, her team-mates motivated her to play in the final.

  • Carter made a heartbreaking admission
  • Was scared to play in the Euros final
  • Received racial abuse earlier this month
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Earlier this month, the defender took to social media to outline the abuse she had received during the Women's Euro 2025, and announced her intention to step back from social media platforms. Carter wrote that while she accepts criticism of her performances, she draws the line at messages that "target someone's appearance or race".

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  • England v Spain - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 FinalGetty Images Sport

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite her anxieties, Sarina Wiegman fielded the 27-year-old in her starting line-up alongside captain Leah William at centre-back. The duo did exceptionally well and played a key role in the Lionesses winning back-to-back European titles.

  • WHAT CARTER SAID

    Speaking to reporters, Carter said: "I'm more disappointed in myself over previous performances than anyone else. I was super scared to play today, which is the first time in my life. Then when I woke up this morning and saw my team and the support that I had from my team-mates, my family and my manager, I knew I had to come out today and give it my all. That's all you can do."

  • England v Spain - UEFA Women's EURO 2025 FinalGetty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT FOR CARTER?

    The defender will be back in action in club football on August 2 as Gotham FC take on Chicago Stars in an NWSL clash.