Lionesses star reveals benefits of social media sabbatical – ‘I feel a lot better’

Social media abuse has been a topic of much discussion since England women’s star Jess Carter felt she had to step away from online platforms after suffering racism

England star Keira Walsh has felt a marked benefit after leaving social media in advance of the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 campaign. Walsh was speaking after team-mate Jess Carter stepped away from social media in the light of racist abuse.

The police have been called in as footballing authorities attempt to identify the culprits. And Walsh, while recognising every player’s social media behaviour is a personal choice, believes avoiding such platforms has worked for her.

“I’ve not had social media for the best part of four or five months and I feel a lot better,” Walsh said. “Most of the time I don’t really know what’s going on outside of camp.

“I just think it’s personal preference. I think as the tournament’s gone on probably more people have come off it but I can only speak for myself on that.”

FA chief Mark Bullingham has caused for more action from social media companies; especially when it comes to prevention as well as dealing with perpetrators. For now, though, Walsh trusts her colleagues to make the right decisions for them.

READ MORE: Keira Walsh putting friendships to one side as England seek Spain revengeREAD MORE: FA chief makes blunt social media demand after Lionesses star Jess Carter racially abused

“I think obviously the girls are smart enough to know what they should and shouldn’t be looking at and I’m sure they’ll know what’s going to put them in a good headspace and what isn’t,” she added. “Do I think there’s enough protection on social media? No I don’t.

“But I’m not going to be able to change that, so yeah, that’s not up to me but just in general people can be more protected on social media and I think we can do more to be able to stop that from happening.”

Carter was on the bench for Tuesday’s semi-final victory over Italy after fellow centre-back Esme Morgan played herself into contention. The Gotham FC defender came on in the closing stages, though, with manager Sarina Wiegman delighted by the reception from the crowd in Geneva.

“It was good to hear we see how many fans are very positive and good fans,” Wiegman said after the semi. “It’s so nice already before the game when her name was announced but it’s really good for her and good for the team it shows that so many people support her and us.“

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