From partying in Ibiza to sharing the same changing rooms, trophies and even partners: The very close links between the Australian Matildas and England’s Lionesses before crunch World Cup semi-final
- Friendships revealed as England-Australia Women’s World Cup match to kick off
- Aussie and Chelsea player Sam Kerr is good friends with England’s Mille Bright
It is the latest England-Australia rivalry to grip the world of sport – and should result in a fierce showdown in front of a crowd of 80,000 tomorrow.
But when the Women’s World Cup teams line up opposite each other in the sell-out semi-final in Sydney, the truth is that many of the players will start not as mortal enemies but as good friends.
From sharing changing rooms, trophies and even partners, the two teams have more in common than competitive fans might want to acknowledge.
Almost half of the Aussies’ 23-strong squad – known as the Matildas – play for English clubs in the Women’s Super League.
For instance, Australian star player Sam Kerr joined Chelsea in 2019 – alongside fellow teammates including England’s Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Jess Carter and the currently suspended Lauren James.
High fliers: Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright are close friends and Chelsea team-mates
Girls’ holiday: Left to right, Katie McCabe, England’s Jordan Nobbs and Aussie Caitlin Foord clubbing in Ibiza
Celebrations: Mary Fowler of Manchester City celebrates scoring with Alex Greenwood during the FA Women’s Super League this year
Chelsea squad: England’s Millie Bright, left, with Australian star player Sam Kerr
Earlier this year James and Kerr were photographed celebrating together arm in arm after winning an award for their performances last season – although England fans will doubtless be praying that Kerr’s V for victory sign is not on show after tomorrow’s game.
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Kerr is the two-time consecutive top goal-scorer at Chelsea, and should she start tomorrow, will be matched against defender Bright, the England captain.
‘I love Sam but as soon as you step over that white line, she’s the opponent,’ Bright said when asked how she’ll deal with playing against her team-mate.
‘For me, it doesn’t matter what happens away from here, she’s an opponent and there’s a job to be done.’
The pair are good friends – and Bright was pictured scooping Kerr into the air after their team won the 2022 FA Cup.
They were also pictured planting a kiss on the Barclays Women’s Super League trophy following the team’s victory this year.
Meanwhile, Kerr’s girlfriend is American footballer Kristie Mewis, who used to date England and Aston Villa star Rachel Daly.
Daly split from Mewis in 2020, with Kerr reportedly beginning her relationship with Mewis the following year.
Over at Arsenal, Aussie forward Caitlin Foord and England’s Jordan Nobbs – a Gunner until earlier this year – were among a group of players who enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza together ahead of the tournament.
Team spirit: Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright celebrate with the Barclays FA Women’s Super League trophy in 2020
Victory: Millie Bright and Sam Kerr pose with the trophy following their victory in the FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United
Summer squad: Left to right, Caitlin Foorde, Jordan Nobbs and Katie McCabe on the resort island
The pair, who were pictured out clubbing, were joined by Irish international player Katie McCabe.
As for the Man City contingent playing in the semi-final, England’s Chloe Kelly and Australia’s Mary Fowler will line up in opposing strips – after causing a stir by stripping off for a Calvin Klein advert.
Kelly became a star for England during last year’s Women’s Euros, scoring a last-minute goal in extra time against Germany to win the competition, before ripping off her shirt and running the length of the pitch to celebrate.
It was a memorable celebration – and one that England fans will be desperately hoping to see repeated tomorrow.
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