In a powerful display of unity, England's players and substitutes stood arm-in-arm before their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, showing solidarity with teammate Jess Carter, who has faced online racist abuse since the tournament began. This gesture marked a significant moment in the ongoing fight against racism in football.

The Gesture of Solidarity

The Lionesses decided to stop taking the knee before matches, a practice they had adopted during Euro 2022 and the 2023 Women's World Cup. Instead, the substitutes stood together on the touchline, a visible sign of support for Carter. This decision came after Carter revealed she had been subjected to racial abuse on social media throughout the tournament.

Reactions from the Team and Management

England manager Sarina Wiegman emphasized the need for a more impactful approach to tackling racism. "Taking the knee is not enough. We have done that for a while, but the impact is not as big as we think," Wiegman stated. She added that the team felt compelled to take a different stance to address the issue more effectively.

Support from the Crowd

The Stade de Geneve crowd showed their support for Carter by singing her song and applauding in the 16th minute, a nod to her squad number. This moment highlighted the collective effort to stand against racism and support affected players.

The Road Ahead

The winner of the semi-final will face either Spain or Germany in the final at Basel's St Jakob-Park on Sunday, 27 June. As the Lionesses continue their campaign, their actions off the pitch resonate just as strongly as their performances on it, underscoring the importance of solidarity and the fight against racism in sports.

Conclusion

England's Lionesses have taken a bold step in addressing racism in football, showing that actions speak louder than words. Their solidarity with Jess Carter sends a powerful message to the football community and beyond, reinforcing the need for continuous efforts to combat discrimination in all its forms.