How to stop Sam Kerr? It is the question WSL defenders up and down the country ask themselves on a regular basis.
So far, none seem to have the answer. Kerr scored 29 goals in 38 games in all competitions for Chelsea last season, despite spending the last few months with constant niggles and minor injuries. She managed to deliver at the seasons’ crunch time, as she always does, scoring vital goals in the big matches as Emma Hayes’ team retained the league and cup double.
Her summer has so far been dominated by a troublesome calf revealed on the eve of the tournament. Only in the round of 16 against Denmark did Kerr first enter the field, after sitting out the entire group stage.
But with 65 minutes under her belt in Saturday night’s quarter-final win over France, the forward says she is “good to go” for Wednesday’s semi-final against England Wednesday’s gigantic World Cup semi-final in Sydney.
Manager Tony Gustavsson’s plan has always been to get her ready from the off for this game. It appears to have paid off with the Chelsea forward likely to come into the Matildas attack that drew a blank against France.
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On the biggest week in Australian football history, their top star is ready for a triumphant return. And the face of this World Cup will be desperate to finally leave her mark on the field.
Few, if any, can stop the million-dollar Matilda when she is in full flow. But there isn’t a centre back around who has had more practice than Millie Bright.
Along with club teammate Jess Carter, the two train against Kerr day in, day out. They know her game and why she is nearly impossible to play against.
Carter is one of the quickest defenders around, while Bright should be able to negate most of Kerr’s aerial threat, best displayed with a late equaliser away at Arsenal in the WSL last season. Between the pair, the England backline have as much experience as they could possibly hope to have against the best No.9 around.
If Kerr is fully fit and capable of playing a full game, she single-handedly changes the complexion of the tie. Her instinctive finishing and clever movement is unparalleled in the women’s game.
Sam Kerr of Australia applauds fans after Women's World Cup win (Photo by Justin Setterfield)Australia without Sam Kerr, on paper look underdogs, comments echoed by Matildas manager Tony Gustavsson. With Sam Kerr, it feels like an even fight, with the home crowd factor potentially the balance in tips towards the hosts. Bright was quick to play down her Chelsea teammates' potential influence.
“I think everyone knows her pretty well,” Bright said. “On a worldwide stage, she's made a name for herself. There's other players in the team, I think we're prepared to play against Australia as a team.”
Millie Bright and Sam Kerr of Chelsea kiss the Barclays Women's Super League trophy after the team's victory in 2023 (Photo by Justin Setterfield)The England skipper won’t fear her. But behind the mask, she knows just how dangerous Kerr can be. Switch off for a second and she’ll punish you.
If the Lionesses are to reach their first-ever World Cup final, it is paramount that Kerr is kept on a short lead. The good news is England’s new-look back three have been almost impenetrable since they were formed earlier in the tournament.
Bright and Carter have excelled, alongside the magnificent Alex Greenwood, arguably England’s player of the tournament so far. They have only conceded once from open play at the finals and even that goal scored by Colombia's Leicy Santos was more down to a rare Mary Earps error. The trio now face their toughest test yet.
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Alessia Russo of England celebrates with teammate Millie BrightAs Sarina Wiegman also pointed out, Australia are far from a one-woman show. Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord is in the form of her life, while Mary Fowler and Emily Van Egmond have proved capable deputies.
“Australia are not just Sam Kerr but yes we have a plan,” said the England. “Of course, she’s a threat, she’s a very good player so there’s lots of respect there, but there’s more than Sam Kerr. There’s a lot of pressure on her because everyone expects things”
England should be confident. They have shown they have the resolve, grit and tenaciousness required to keep any attack quiet. World Cup winners are built on clean sheets and the European Champions know how to get them.
The Lionesses defence have looked rock solid so far. If they can hold firm one more time it could well take them just one game away from the greatest prize in the sport.
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