Jess Carter Talks About Racism After Penalty Miss in Euro 2025

• Jess Carter expressed relief after the penalty miss
• Lauren James could have mentioned racism
• The football association reported to the police

England women's national team player Jess Carter expressed relief that her teammate Lauren James was not the only one who did not convert a penalty in the quarter-finals of Euro 2025 against Sweden. Carter noted that James could have mentioned "astronomical" racist abuse on social media, which had not been the case in previous instances. James, who successfully converted another penalty, could not find the net, but the team still progressed, having secured victory in the semi-finals against Spain in a series of penalty shootouts.

Carter mentioned that her own experience of racism during the tournament made her feel fear when coach Sara Viegman announced that she would be playing in the final. "This is the first time I felt fear; previously, there was a significant fear of playing," she said.

She also spoke about the psychological impact of racist abuse: "It makes you feel small, insignificant, and less important. It doesn't allow me to feel confident enough to return to the pitch."

The general director of the Football Association, Mark Bullingham, confirmed that "disgusting" messages had been forwarded to the police of Great Britain for investigation.

Tags: Sport/Football