AssetID: 54854619
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: England Women's Soccer Players to Avoid Social Media Amid Online Abuse During Tournaments
Caption: England Women’s Soccer Players to Avoid Social Media Amid Online Abuse During Tournaments. Several members of England's women’s soccer team have revealed they will avoid social media during major tournaments to escape damaging online abuse. The players made the decision as the Lionesses prepare to defend their Women’s Euros title in Switzerland, starting on July 2, 2025. Striker Alessia Russo, coming off a Champions League-winning season with Arsenal, discussed the negative impact of social media on women soccer players. Russo, 26, shared that she was once heavily impacted by online criticism but now prioritizes her well-being over social media engagement. “When I was younger, I probably got sucked into it more,” Russo confessed, admitting she once paid too much attention to online criticism. Russo now prefers to disconnect from social media, especially during tournaments, focusing on her teammates, coaches, and family for support. The decision to avoid social media also helped Russo stay focused during the 2023 World Cup, with others managing her Instagram. Chelsea’s Lauren James shared that online abuse “never really stops,” but she has developed resilience and learned to ignore it. James emphasized that, while the abuse can sting at first, she has become skilled at brushing it off as she becomes more accustomed to it. Both Russo and James highlighted the importance of staying focused as a team and maintaining a healthy mindset away from online negativity. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Sports,England women's soccer,social media,abuse,racism,hate,online criticism,Alessia Russo,Lauren James,Women's Euros 2025,Lionesses,tournament preparation,mental health,wellbeing,disconnect,harassment,women’s football
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