She's ready to perform' Wiegman backs Carter for Italy semi-final after racism ordeal

Sarina Wiegman has said Jess Carter is "ready to perform and compete" in England's semi-final against Italy tonight, praising the defender's strength of character in the face of racist abuse received during Euro 2025.

- Suzanne Wrack

Wiegman is expected to keep faith with Carter after a below-par performance against Sweden in the previous round - one of many in the team that night - but the head coach said they had discussed the possibility of her not playing.

"Of course we had conversations," Wiegman said. "Although it is a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person and she wants to move on, too. She also felt - as we did - that we had to address this. You can't just let it go, so we did not.

"Then we know that there's a match going on: we want to perform, we're ready to perform, she's ready to perform and compete, and that says a lot about her and the team."

The midfielder Georgia Stanway echoed Wiegman's sentiments and took aim at those who sent the racist messages on social media.

"The people that are saying these things and doing things like this are not fans," Stanway said.