The article features an interview with Jess Carter, an English footballer who plays as a defender for Gotham FC and the England women's national team. The conversation revolves around her experiences during the 2025 Euro women's football championship.
* **The Impact of Abuse** - *Carter opens up about the emotional toll of receiving racist abuse on social media.* She explains how it affected her, both mentally and emotionally. It took a lot for me to even start talking about it but I felt like I had to speak out after the game. I didn't know what else to do.*
* **Honest Conversations with Sarina Wiegman** - *Wiegman's approachable demeanor allows for open conversations.* Carter praises her manager, stating: "I've always found it so easy to have really honest, private conversations with her."
* **A Mix of Emotions at the Final** - The England team had a tough time in the tournament. Despite the setbacks, Carter reflects on the final's atmosphere and how it affected her: "It was like a sigh of relief when Beth Mead and Grace Clinton β white players β joined James in missing penalties against Sweden." Carter explains that black players face added scrutiny for errors that their white counterparts might make.
* **New Beginnings** - The interview concludes with Carter's thoughts on the future and her perspective on football. She says, "Football is not my everything like it is for other people." She enjoys playing because she loves the game but isn't willing to sacrifice her happiness for its sake.
The conversation highlights the personal struggles and growth that Jess Carter has experienced during this challenging time in England's women's soccer. Her courage in speaking out against racism helps raise awareness about an issue that many players face, and it shows the dedication to addressing these problems in football.
Through her journey, Jess Carter offers a glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by female footballers, particularly those from minority backgrounds. She also showcases the importance of honest conversations with mentors like Sarina Wiegman, who provides guidance and support throughout tough times.
By sharing her story, Jess Carter helps create a more inclusive and empathetic environment in sports, encouraging others to speak up against racism and promote positive change.
* **The Impact of Abuse** - *Carter opens up about the emotional toll of receiving racist abuse on social media.* She explains how it affected her, both mentally and emotionally. It took a lot for me to even start talking about it but I felt like I had to speak out after the game. I didn't know what else to do.*
* **Honest Conversations with Sarina Wiegman** - *Wiegman's approachable demeanor allows for open conversations.* Carter praises her manager, stating: "I've always found it so easy to have really honest, private conversations with her."
* **A Mix of Emotions at the Final** - The England team had a tough time in the tournament. Despite the setbacks, Carter reflects on the final's atmosphere and how it affected her: "It was like a sigh of relief when Beth Mead and Grace Clinton β white players β joined James in missing penalties against Sweden." Carter explains that black players face added scrutiny for errors that their white counterparts might make.
* **New Beginnings** - The interview concludes with Carter's thoughts on the future and her perspective on football. She says, "Football is not my everything like it is for other people." She enjoys playing because she loves the game but isn't willing to sacrifice her happiness for its sake.
The conversation highlights the personal struggles and growth that Jess Carter has experienced during this challenging time in England's women's soccer. Her courage in speaking out against racism helps raise awareness about an issue that many players face, and it shows the dedication to addressing these problems in football.
Through her journey, Jess Carter offers a glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by female footballers, particularly those from minority backgrounds. She also showcases the importance of honest conversations with mentors like Sarina Wiegman, who provides guidance and support throughout tough times.
By sharing her story, Jess Carter helps create a more inclusive and empathetic environment in sports, encouraging others to speak up against racism and promote positive change.