Lionesses' Jess Carter Skips Downing Street Bash for US Club Duty

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.

4 The Lionesses visited Downing Street on their return home Credit: Alamy

4 Jess Carter was missing from the celebrations Credit: AP

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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.”

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 .

4 Carter has had to go back to the US for her next club match Credit: Getty

4 The team mingled in the Downing Street garden and will board an open-top bus on Tuesday Credit: Getty