Lionesses star misses Euro 2025 winners’ trophy parade for incredible reason

England defender Jess Carter has been given no time off and already flown back to the United States because NWSL club Gotham FC need her to play against Chicago Star on Friday

The celebrations continue at pace with England’s European champions enjoying an open top bus parade through London on Tuesday afternoon – but one Lioness has been separated from the pack.

Jess Carter had to bid farewell to her team-mates not long after their dramatic penalty shootout win against Spain on Sunday night because her club would not grant the defender any time off.

American side Gotham FC visit Chicago Stars on Friday night and Carter has had to fly straight back across the Atlantic to train ahead of that fixture.

And that capped an at times difficult tournament for Carter, who was subjected to vile racial abuse on social media and was dropped by head coach Sarina Wiegman for the semi-final before being reinstated for the finale.

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“I was super scared of playing the final for the first time in my life,” Carter said after the shootout triumph. “When I woke up in the morning and saw my team and saw the support I had – and the belief I had from my team-mates, manager and family – I could come out and give my all. That’s all you can do.

“It’s incredible, the fans have been incredible all tournament and we couldn’t have done this without them. We’re so grateful for them and this moment.

“Giving up is not in our DNA. We have stuck together from minute one. I couldn’t be prouder of this team and I’m so honoured to be proud of it. I’m more disappointed in my previous performances than anyone else.”

Fellow England stars Anna Moorhouse and Esme Morgan also play for sides in the US but they have been given permission to enjoy the celebrations.

The squad visited No10 Downing Street on Monday having flown back from Switzerland and they will be greeted by huge crowds during their parade through the capital today.

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