England head coach Sarina Wiegman has offered an explanation for leaving defender Jess Carter out of the starting XI for tonight’s Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy.
Carter announced on Monday that she was stepping away from social media after receiving ‘a lot’ of racial abuse online following England’s quarter-final victory against Sweden.
Before the match, Wiegman revealed that Carter would be available to play against Italy, while also condemning the ‘disgusting and vile’ racism directed at her player.
But on the night, the 27-year-old was nowhere to be seen in the starting lineup, with Wiegman citing tactical decisions rather than this racist abuse.
In Carter’s place, Wiegman has opted to start Esme Morgan at centre-back. The boss said: ‘Yes, that decision is based on the tactical challenges we have and we think in this game it is best to put Esme in.’
When asked how Carter is coping, Wiegman replied: ‘Jess is good. Of course a lot of things going on but she is good, she trained well, she’s ready to compete and ready to play.
Jess Carter was left out of England’s starting XI for their Euro semi-final clash against Italy
Sarina Wiegman cited tactical reasons for Carter’s absence rather than the racist abuse her player opened up about on the weekend
In Carter’s place, 24-year-old Esme Morgan will step in at centre-back, earning her 16th cap
‘It is a huge night for everyone, Esme is ready and has been ready for a while, she showed that the other night and I hope she does really well of course.’