England's players have united behind defender Jess Carter after she experienced racist abuse, with the squad determined to maintain focus ahead of Tuesday evening's Euro 2025 semi-final clash with Italy in Geneva.
The defender has withdrawn from social media following the incidents, prompting team-mates to offer support while preparing for their attempt to secure a third consecutive major tournament final.
Manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed that Carter remains available for selection despite the difficult circumstances.
"Although it's a hard situation, Jess is a very strong person and wants to move on. She also felt we had to address this. You can't just let it go," the Dutch coach stated.
Getty | Jess Carter stepped away from social media earlier in the week after suffering from racist abuse
The defensive selection presents significant challenges for Wiegman, with Carter having featured in three different positions throughout the tournament.
The 27-year-old has operated as both a right and left-sided centre-back, as well as at left-back, whilst Alex Greenwood has similarly shifted between central defence and full-back roles.
Esme Morgan's impressive substitute appearance against Sweden has intensified competition for places.
"We have headaches all the time because a lot of players can play from the start. It's what makes the team so strong," Wiegman acknowledged.
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|Sarina Wiegman admitted she had 'headaches' with who to select ahead of the crucial fixture
Captain Leah Williamson's fitness had raised concerns after she was spotted on crutches with a protective boot on Thursday.
However, Wiegman confirmed the Arsenal defender participated fully in Monday's training session, adding: "She really wants to play and she did everything to recover as quickly as possible - and she has. It means she is available."
England's defensive frailties have been a persistent concern throughout the tournament, with both France and Sweden exploiting vulnerabilities through their physical prowess and pace.
Despite the slow starts in both games, the Lionesses made history by becoming the first side to progress from a European Championship knockout match after trailing by two goals in their quarter-final victory over Sweden.
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Forward Beth Mead expressed confidence that the team has overcome their difficulties.
"I'd like to think we've got all the wobbles out of the way," she told BBC Sport. "I think this is very much the business end of the tournament, we've got to be on it and we've got to be very much in the right headspace."
Italy arrive at the semi-final stage for the first time since 1997, with striker Cristiana Girelli having scored three times during the tournament.
The 35-year-old captain has been instrumental in her side's progress, including a brace in their quarter-final victory over Norway.
Despite England's recent dominance in head-to-head encounters, including victories in February 2023 and a 5-1 triumph twelve months later, Wiegman continued by cautioning against complacency.
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|Italy beat Norway in the quarter-finals to progress
"It would be really disrespectful to think we are the favourites," she insisted. "They made the semi-final just like we did and that's very impressive for any team. Complacency is the biggest mistake you could make."
The squad has collectively decided to discontinue taking the knee before matches, with midfielder Georgia Stanway explaining the reasoning behind this shift.
"We felt like the knee was just a little bit repetitive," Stanway said. "We felt like it's come to a point where the knee isn't doing what we wanted it to do."
Wiegman supported her players' stance, stating: "It's really sad we have to discuss this. It goes beyond football."
The manager emphasised that the squad wanted to "send a message to the world" through their unified response.
Stanway suggested the situation had strengthened team unity, adding: "If anything, it's brought us together as a team. Right now, all we can do is show our support, our togetherness."
The Lionesses are looking to win to their second consecutive Euros title, after their triumph in 2022, with Wiegman searching for her third after her 2017 victory with her native Netherlands.