"If you sleepwalk your way through life, you won't survive," says Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. "ComplacencyFeeling of satisfaction with your own work that stops you from trying harder. , the mother of all devils, creeps in, and then it's goodnight."

She is talking about defender Jess Carter in the documentary One Team, One Dream. The year is 2019 and Jess has failed to fulfil her early promise. "What are you waiting for?" Hayes asks. "It's up to you to decide your future."

"For a long time it felt like that would be Carter's story in English football," writes Jonathan Liew in The Guardian: "a tale of squandered talent... Carter had always cravedReally wanted. success, but perhaps lacked the confidence to commit fully to it."

But as this year's World Cup showed, things have turned out otherwise.

Jess Carter grew up in Warwick, the daughter of an American father and English mother. Tragically, her mother suffered from alcoholism and abandoned her when she was a baby.

Her talents became clear at a young age. At 16 she made her first-team debut for Birmingham City. Soon afterwards she was chosen for the England Under-19s. Three years later she made her first appearance for the senior England team.

In 2018 she joined Chelsea, but struggled to make an impact. She was often late for training and did not get fit enough. When she was told off, she sulked.

But Emma Hayes was not ready to give up on her. Carter's diet was a particular focus: she had to give up on junk food and follow a strict meal plan.

During the 2021-2022 season, things finally came together. Carter became a key part of Chelsea's defence. And this summer she showed her extraordinary calm under pressure during the Lionesses' run to the World Cup Final.

"She's really showing her value to club and country," says Emma Hayes. "She's got pace, she's got power, she's got poiseGracefulness or calm confidence. , she's got mentality."

Yes: You can be the most talented footballer in the world, but if you do not believe in your own ability you will never make it to the top. Without gaining confidence, Carter's career would have ended.

No: There are plenty of people who think that they are brilliant at what they do, when in fact they are only fairly good. No one without great skill on the ball is going to play for the Lionesses.

Or... You need both in equal measure, because the two feed off each other. Having talent gives you confidence, and having confidence helps you to develop your talent.