Lionesses to End Taking the Knee, Calling for Stronger Anti-Racism Action-Weigman

England women’s national team has announced it will no longer take the knee before matches, saying the gesture is no longer effective in combating racism.

The decision comes ahead of their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy on Tuesday, and follows reports that defender Jess Carter has been subjected to racial abuse online throughout the tournament. England’s players issued a collective statement over the weekend, saying it was time to seek new ways to confront racism in football.

Manager Sarina Wiegman backed the move, telling BBC Sport’s Dan Roan that the symbolic act has lost its impact.
“We’ve been taking the knee for some time, but it’s clear that it’s not enough anymore,” she said. “When racism is still happening, especially to one of our own players, we feel we need a different approach.”

Instead of kneeling, the team will now stand at kick-off, a move midfielder Georgia Stanway says is intended to spark conversation and highlight the need for real change.

“We’ve reached a point where the gesture isn’t creating the effect we want,” Stanway said. “By choosing not to kneel, we’re making a new kind of statement, we want people talking, we want awareness, and we want progress.”

Carter’s abuse is currently under police investigation. The 26-year-old has continued to participate in training and remains available for selection. Wiegman confirmed on Monday that she is “ready and wants to play,” crediting her strength and resolve.

“Jess is a tough character,” the England boss said. “She wants to focus on football but also felt the need to speak out. We fully support her.”

Italy’s players, meanwhile, have expressed solidarity with the England squad. Defender Cecilia Salvai said team discussions were ongoing and their captains would decide on any show of support.

While many have praised England’s new stance, others have raised concerns. Fare, a global anti-discrimination body, questioned the decision to drop what it considers a “powerful” anti-racist gesture.

Still, the move has received support from within the football community. Former England international Izzy Christiansen described it as “a bold and united message,” saying the change in approach reinforces team unity and highlights Carter’s experience.

“I think it’s a smart move,” Christiansen told BBC Radio 5 Live. “It shows solidarity and a clear stance. It’s a message without distraction.”

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha also supported the team’s intentions but noted that if both teams stand, the visual impact could be diminished.

“My worry is if no one kneels, it might look like nothing’s happening,” Onuoha said. “That said, their unity and support for Jess Carter is what really stands out. That in itself is powerful.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also voiced her support for the Lionesses, saying the players had every right to decide how to respond to racism. However, she stressed that legislative measures like the Online Safety Act alone won’t eradicate online abuse.

“We need to hold platforms accountable, but this is also a wider societal issue,” Nandy said. “We all have a role to play in calling this out and ensuring young people understand the impact of their actions.”

Taking the knee became a global symbol of anti-racism after former NFL player Colin Kaepernick used it during the American national anthem in 2016. It became widespread in football in 2020 following the killing of George Floyd in the United States. Both England’s men’s and women’s teams adopted the gesture in major international competitions in the years that followed.

While the debate over symbolic gestures continues, the Lionesses remain focused on their Euro 2025 campaign, with hopes of reaching a third consecutive major final. Tuesday’s semi-final against Italy not only carries sporting significance but also serves as a platform for the team to assert their values and push for broader cultural change on and off the pitch.