West Midlands Railway Names Train After England Lioness Jess Carter

West Midlands Railway has named one of its newest Class 196 trains after England footballer Jess Carter in honor of her achievements as the Lionesses prepare to defend their Euro 2025 title. Jess Carter, a Warwickshire native, has earned over 40 caps for England and was part of the victorious Euro 2022 squad, also playing in the 2023 World Cup final. She began her senior career at Birmingham City, later winning five consecutive Super League titles with Chelsea, and currently plays for NY/NJ Gotham FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. The naming ceremony at Leamington Spa railway station was attended by pupils and teachers from her former school, Myton, whose teachers expressed pride in her sporting accomplishments and hope that the train’s name inspires future generations. West Midlands Railway highlighted their intention to use the train's name to encourage women and girls to engage in sports and support the Lionesses in their upcoming tournament. The train serves routes across the West Midlands, including Coventry, Nuneaton, Worcester, Hereford, and Leamington Spa.