Jess Carter Shines as Wiegman Solves Lionesses’ Left-Back Puzzle

Jess Carter’s renaissance at Euro 2025 is gathering pace, and the Gotham FC defender is suddenly one of Sarina Wiegman’s most reliable outlets down England’s problematic left flank. After being exposed by Delphine Cascarino on matchday one against France, Carter responded with a performance of controlled aggression and smart positioning in the crucial 2-0 win over the Netherlands – proof that, when deployed correctly, she is anything but a weak link.

Carter’s Redemption After France Nightmare

Few Lionesses endured a tougher opening game than Jess Carter. France relentlessly targeted her side, isolating her one-v-one and forcing errors that contributed to England’s only defeat so far. Critics immediately questioned Wiegman’s selection, yet the coach resisted the urge to rip up her plans. Instead, she fine-tuned them.

The Tactical Switch That Unlocked Jess Carter

The big change arrived three days later in Basel. Rather than asking her left-back to overlap constantly, Wiegman tucked Carter inside to form a back three in possession. Rachel Daly stepped higher on the flank, Lauren Hemp held the width, and Georgia Stanway dropped to cover transitions. The result: Carter faced fewer footraces, read passing lanes instead of chasing wingers, and recycled the ball with 92% accuracy – the best of any English defender on the night.

What the Numbers Say

• 7 recoveries – joint-highest among England defenders
• 3 interceptions – more than the entire Dutch frontline combined
• 0 dribbles completed against her – a stark contrast to the five she conceded versus France
Advanced data from Opta shows Carter’s defensive duel success up from 46% to 71%, underlying her swift adaptation.

Why the Left-Back Debate Still Matters

England have experimented with Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles and even Rachel Daly at left-back over the past 18 months. None offered the balance Wiegman craves: sturdy in defence yet comfortable in build-up. Carter, a natural centre-back at club level, now appears the closest fit. Her ability to invert grants England an extra midfielder without sacrificing width, a crucial asset against high-pressing sides such as Spain or Germany.

Implications for England’s Euro 2025 Defence

With Wales next, followed by a likely quarter-final rematch with either Denmark or Sweden, England need continuity. Wiegman prizes chemistry, and Carter’s growing understanding with Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright is evident. Meanwhile, positioning Lauren James as an impact substitute not only protects the Chelsea star’s fitness but also maintains defensive shape behind the ball. If Carter continues to read danger early and distribute quickly, England will enter the knockout phase with genuine momentum.

Our Opinion

Carter’s story is a reminder that international tournaments hinge on micro-adjustments, not wholesale overhauls. Wiegman recognised her defender’s strengths and recalibrated the system to amplify them. The payoff was immediate and, if replicated, could carry the Lionesses deep into July. Don’t bet against Jess Carter making the left-back shirt her own long after Euro 2025.