LIONESSES star Jess Carter missed the team’s Downing Street visit for a shock reason.
The 27-year-old centre-back was one of England‘s key players at the Euros, starting in all but one match en route to glory.
AlamyThe Lionesses visited Downing Street on their return home[/caption]
APJess Carter was missing from the celebrations[/caption]
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After beating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout on Sunday night, the squad return home to a hero’s welcome.
They were immediately invited to Downing Street for a party, posing outside the famous No10 door on the red carpet.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock hosted the team as they sipped on drinks in the garden.
But eagle-eyed fans noticed that Carter was surprisingly missing from the bash.
It has now been revealed that the defender had to fly back to the US to prepare for her next club match.
Carter plays for New York side Gotham FC and they face the Chicago Stars on Saturday.
The club didn’t give her any extra time off to celebrate and she has already headed Stateside for training.
It means Carter will also miss the open-top bus parade on Tuesday afternoon.
Lionesses Anna Moorhouse and Esme Morgan also play for sides in the US.
But they were allowed to stay in England to bask in the glory.
It comes after Carter battled racist abuse that she received online during the Euros.
After victory over Spain, she 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.”
Warwick-born Carter began her career with Birmingham City in the WSL.
In 2018 she moved to Chelsea, enjoying six successful years with the Blues.
After winning five WSL titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups, Carter moved to the United States last year, signing for Gotham FC.
Carter has had to go back to the US for her next club matchGetty
Remaining in Downing Street, the Cabinet Office is set to reward legends Hannah Hampton and Chloe Kelly in the next honours list.
Leah Williamson’s OBE may be upgraded to a CBE and Dutch boss Sarina Wiegman is in line for an honorary damehood.
Speaking at Downing Street, Wiegman joked: “I have to make my apologies (for giving) you lots of heart attacks. You all made it through and we made it through and that’s why we’re here now.
“The team is just incredible, we won the Euros but making the final, we’re already legendary, what the team has done and the team behind the team.
“Thank you so much for having us here. It’s very, very special to be here and to be in this very nice garden with the way you set it up with all these pictures, it makes it more special, it’s the first moment it sinks in a little bit because it was surreal what happened last night.”
The Dutchwoman then called for further investment from the Government into the game, saying: “This incredible team won the Euros and then straightaway sent a letter to you, the Government, asking for attention and asking for access to football for all girls.
“Steps have been taken but we’re not done yet, we have to keep moving forward and we need a little bit more.
“I heard we need to change some things about taxes… I think we have that confirmation tonight. So let’s move forward.
“We need some more investment. We’re not there yet. In England we’re up there but England needs to stay the trailblazer, it needs to be the big example.
“The players first but also the FA, the clubs, the Government, the country, the fans – let’s keep being the trailblazers.”
GettyThe team mingled in the Downing Street garden and will board an open-top bus on Tuesday[/caption]
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The Lionesses brilliantly partied into the night following their Euro 2025 success.
Having headed to Downing Street yesterday, England stars, other than Carter, will take part in a trophy parade in London on Tuesday.
The parade will begin down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace at 12:10pm.
It will then conclude with a staged ceremony at the Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace starting at approximately 12.30pm.
Lionesses stalwart Lucy Bronze will likely still be sore during the festivities.
The Chelsea ace admitted on Sunday that she played Euro 2025 with a broken leg.
Bronze, 33, told the BBC: “I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, and then I have hurt my knee on my other leg.
“That’s why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I’ve been in a lot of pain. If that’s what it takes to play for England, that’s what I’ll do.”
“Very painful.”
Shutterstock EditorialLucy Bronze battled through the pain barrier at Euro 2025[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
