In a bold move to combat racism more effectively, the England women's football team, under the guidance of manager Sarina Wiegman, has decided to stop taking the knee before matches. This decision comes in the wake of defender Jess Carter experiencing racist abuse during the Euro 2025 tournament.

A New Approach to Anti-Racism Wiegman expressed that the gesture of taking the knee has not had the desired impact. "We have done that for a while. The impact is not good enough, it's not as big as we think," she stated. The team believes it's time to explore more impactful methods to address racism in football.

Standing Together Midfielder Georgia Stanway explained the team's new stance, "We feel like it has gone past that [taking the knee] now. We have decided that we will stand and we will not do that." This shift is aimed at sparking conversations and highlighting the insufficiency of current efforts.

Support for Jess Carter The squad has rallied around Carter, who has been open about her experiences. Stanway praised Carter's courage and emphasized the team's commitment to creating a safe environment for her and future generations.

Looking Ahead Despite the challenges, Carter is ready to play in the upcoming semi-final against Italy. Wiegman confirmed her availability, stating, "Jess is fit to play. She has all the support around her, staff and family. She wants to play and is available."

This strategic pivot by the England Lionesses underscores their determination to not only compete on the field but also lead in the fight against racism, setting a precedent for sports teams worldwide.