England star Jess Carter says women’s football ‘deserves to be on a higher pedestal’ in the United States | OneFootball

Sep 12, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Jess Carter moves the ball during the first half against San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium. Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images

England and Gotham FC defender Jess Carter believes that women’s football still has a long way to go in the United States.

Carter joined the National Women’s Soccer League side from Chelsea in the summer of 2024, winning the Concacaf W Champions Cup final against Tigres back in May.

She followed that off by helping England successfully defend their European Championship crown at Euro 2025.

While women’s football on the whole is growing in popularity, Carter has told Goal that it deserves to be more appreciated in the United States.

What did Jess Carter say about women’s football in the United States?

Jess Carter has noted differences between women’s football in the United States and back home in England.

She told Goal: “I do think there’s still a long way for the women’s game to go in the U.S.

“It’s not at the level that it needs to be yet, from off the pitch stuff, not even just the football. It’s away from that. I could walk around here wearing a Gotham top and people still don’t know who Gotham are.

“Women’s football deserves to be on a higher pedestal than what it is here in the U.S.”

Carter did note that football is the biggest sport in England, but has ‘many other sports to compete with’ in the United States.

She added: “I do miss how big women’s football is in the UK, but I definitely think the U.S. has the ability to get to that level.”

How has Jess Carter performed at Gotham FC?

Carter has made 43 appearances since joining NWSL side Gotham FC in the summer of 2024.

She has been a regular for the side who won the inaugural Concafaf W Champions Cup earlier this year.

However, Gotham FC have recently been on a bad run of form, with just one win in their last six games.

This has left them seventh in the NWSL table, however, they did clinch a playoff spot with a 2-2 draw against Racing Louisville on Sunday.

What’s next for Carter?

Carter is expected to feature in England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia.

Sarina Wiegman’s England squad does not feature Carter’s regular centre-back partner Leah Williamson who is out with an injury.

Arsenal centre-back Katie Reid was also forced to pull out of the squad.

Gotham FC have just one more game of the regular season remaining against North Carolina Courage on November 2nd.

If there are no changes in the standings, Gotham FC will face Washington Spirit at the quarter-final stage of the Playoffs.