Jess Carter explains why she decided to skip England’s trophy parade to return to Gotham FC | OneFootball

(Photo credit: Alexander Canillas / SPP)

England defender Jess Carter has explained her choice to return to Gotham FC over celebrating the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 success in Tuesday’s trophy parade.

Carter was the only member of the England squad not present in the parade on Tuesday, or to fly back to the UK on Monday.

She instead made the decision to fly out to the United States to join up with her Gotham FC teammates.

Esme Morgan and Anna Moorhouse, who also play their club football in the United States, were given permission by their respective clubs to attend England’s trophy parade on Tuesday.

However, Carter’s Gotham FC are in action on Friday night – two days earlier than Morgan’s Washington Spirit or Moorhouse’s Orlando Pride.

Gotham FC are 4/11 favourites with UK betting websites to beat Chicago Red Stars in the US National Women’s Soccer League on Friday.

Ahead of the game, Carter took to social media to explain her choice to join up with her teammates.

Why did Jess Carter return to Gotham FC and miss England’s Euro 2025 trophy parade?

It was a surprise when it was discovered that Jess Carter would miss the England Euro 2025 trophy parade and return to Gotham FC.

However, in a message on Instagram, she explained that it was her decision.

The former Chelsea star said: “Gotham has quickly become a family and a team to me that I truly enjoy being part of so coming back to them straight away to prep for our upcoming game was a decision I made myself, which is why I wasn’t present at the celebrations back in England.

“Thank you to both England and Gotham for supporting me in that decision.”

Unlike the majority of Carter’s teammates she won’t get the chance to have a break following Euro 2025.

She missed a lively trophy parade as England celebrated in front of thousands of fans in London.

Some of the highlights of the trophy parade included Sarina Wiegman dancing with musician Burna Boy, Chloe Kelly accidently swearing on stage and Leah Williamson’s emotional speech as she held back tears following the open-top bus procession.

Jess Carter addresses racial abuse during Euro 2025

Jess Carter also addressed the racial abuse she received at Euro 2025 during her post on Instagram.

The defender previously revealed she would take a step back from social media due to the comments she had received.

After explaining why she missed England’s trophy parade, she added: “I’ll end this by saying hate will never win!

“There never has been and there never will be room for racism. Every player that puts on that England shirt does their best to represent our country at the highest level and no player or person should feel hesitant to do that because of the colour of their skin.

“I will continue to work with social media platforms and other organisations to find a way to make everyday society a place that is inclusive for all.”