The Lionesses who were in the Strictly ballroom to cheer on Karen Carney | OneFootball

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu

Former England international Karen Carney was back in the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom this weekend.

And this time she was supported by the legendary Rachel Yankey plus two current superstars of the game, England internationals Beth Mead of Arsenal and Lucy Bronze of Chelsea.

Yankey made 129 appearances for England in an international career that spanned over 15 years, and was part of the Arsenal team that won the quadruple – including the UEFA Women’s Cup, now the Women’s Champions League – in 2007.

Mead and Bronze have both won the Women’s Euros twice with England. Mead was the player of the tournament in 2022, finishing as its top scorer, and helped Arsenal to the Women’s Champions League last season. Bronze has won five Champions League titles, three with Lyon and two with Barcelona, and finished second in 2019’s Ballon d’Or.

Carney has previously had Lauren Hemp of Manchester City cheering her on – as well as close friend Jill Scott.

Carney and her partner Carlos Gu danced the quickstep to Marvellous Party this week, and got a total of 27 points from the judges. After the public votes were counted, they progressed to next week’s show and avoided the prospect of elimination via the dance-off.

“I’m buzzing,” Carney said after finding out she was staying in the competition.

“I think we’re all nervous, but I’m just so buzzing to get through to next week.”

Karen Carney: Trying to get a free kick

Next week’s Strictly Come Dancing theme week is “Icons”, and Carney revealed that she and Gu will be paying tribute to Celine Dion through their rumba.

There was a touch of drama on the dance floor on Saturday night, though, when Carney slipped midway through the routine – but she recovered her poise and finished the routine.

And with a smile on her face, she told co-host Claudia Winkleman: “I’ve got the Lionesses there and I’m laughing because I slipped and I know they’re going to be like ‘She was blatantly trying to get the foul or a free kick’ or something like that!”

Since retiring in 2019, Karen Carney has worked extensively in the media as well as leading a government review into the women’s professional game.

She won 144 caps for England, represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and played for clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea.