The Lioness and her lover... who’s Germany’s keeper!
‘One will be left heartbroken’
WHEN the Lionesses face Germany in Sunday’s Women’s Euros final, it will be a renewal of one of the world’s biggest sporting rivalries.
But while the clash is certain to bring echoes of the glories of 1966, there is an intimate link between the two sides which would have been unthinkable 56 years ago.
That’s because one member of each squad will have to cope with split loyalties – as the pair are a team off the pitch.
Power couple Jess Carter of England and Germany’s AnnKatrin Berger return to Wembley after both helping Chelsea to lift the Women’s FA Cup back in May. They have been an item for four years, beginning their relationship with a low-key date at an Indian restaurant in Solihull.
While both are expected to start the big match on the bench, it means personal feelings will have to be put aside.
Defender Carter, 24, and goalkeeper Berger, 31, became close after the German joined her at Birmingham City in 2017.
Since both joined Chelsea, Warwick-born Carter has shared details of their off-pitch life on her Instagram, including a recent romantic holiday to Miami. Unafraid to make fools of themselves, they have also o posed in matching Christmas s onesies given to them by y Carter’s family.
However, Carter has said d she is more ‘comfortable’ ’ than Berger in talking about t their relationship.
Carter has also spoken n about how ‘fortunate’ they y are to have the tolerant environment on of women’s football, contrasting it with the ‘scrutiny and backlash’ of gay relationships in men’s football.
Chelsea gently highlighted the chances of the pair facing one another after Germany defeated France in Wednesday night’s semi-final, posting on Instagram: ‘Well, well, well, we’ll be seeing you both at Wembley!’
But they are used to putting personal feelings aside on the pitch. Carter, who has ten England caps, said last year: ‘When we go to the football we’re not in a relationship, we’re teammates and we’re going to be the best team-mates we can be.’
Berger is third choice goalkeeper, with three caps to date. Responding to Berger’s call-up, Carter wrote online: ‘Saying I’m proud is an understatement!’
Regardless of their relationship, however, one will be left heartbroken by Sunday’s result as eight-time champions Germany take on hosts England, bidding for their first major tournament win.