JESS CARTER admitted she was “super scared” of playing in England’s Euros final triumph.
Before the semi-final win over Italy, the Lionesses defender revealed she’d received racist abuse from online trolls during the tournament.
Carter, 27, was put back in the starting line-up for last night’s penalty shootout triumph over Spain – after being put on the bench against the Italians.
And the Gotham FC star says she was a bag of nerves going into the final after a recall from boss Sarina Wiegman.
Carter said: “I was super scared of playing the final for the first time in my life.
“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.”
England team-mates, staff and fans rallied around Carter after she revealed the abuse she had been subjected to.
England are queens of Europe
Before the extra-time win against Italy on Tuesday, England’s subs stood arm-in-arm with Carter after the players opted against taking the knee before kick-off.
But Carter kept her cool to emerge as a European champion.
Asked how she’s going to celebrate, she said: “Getting very drunk!”
In an Instagram post, the 27-year-old player said: “From the start of the tournament I have experienced a lot of racial abuse.
“Whilst I feel every fan is entitled to their opinion on performance and result I don’t agree or think it’s ok to target someone’s appearance or race.”
She said she was stepping back to “protect myself in a bid to keep my focus on helping the team any way I can”.
“Hopefully speaking out will make the people writing this abuse think twice so that others won’t have to deal with it,” she added.
The Lionesses posted a message from the squad with the caption: “We stand with Jess, and all #Lionesses players past and present who have suffered racism.”
It reads: “No one should have to endure such vile abuse, be that in football or any walk of life.
“Representing our country is the greatest honour. It’s not right that while we are doing that some of us are treated differently simply because of the colour of our skin.”
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