Chelsea striker, Sam Kerr ended England’s 30-game unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman on Tuesday evening as Australia defeated the Lionesses 2-0, in a friendly game at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
The Chelsea women forward scored and assisted for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts, Australia, in both halves as the European champions were beaten at home – their first loss since the defeat to Canada in April 2021 under interim boss, Hege Riise.
Sam Kerr who was left out of the Scotland game returned to the starting XI and was a thorn in the flesh of the England defenders. Her pressure eventually paid off in the 32nd minute when she pounced on a mistake by Arsenal and Lionesses captain, Leah Williamson for the opener.
In the 67th minute, captain Sam Kerr proved that there’s more to her game than goals as she floated a deep cross for Charlotte Grant whose header deflected off Williamson again, and past Manchester United goalkeeper, Mary Earps as the Lionesses fell to a 2-0 defeat.
There were injuries on both sides with England’s Lauren Hemp struggling, having to be taken-off while Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, couldn’t make the team for Australia.
Australia have never gone beyond the quarter-finals at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, but having a fit and in-form Sam Kerr with the team playing in front of their home crowd might just be the magic that is needed.
The Matildas have been placed in Group B where they will start their 2023 FIFA World Cup campaign against the Republic of Ireland. Their other opponents include reigning Olympic Games champion, Canada and the most successful African women’s football nation, Nigeria.
While the Lionesses of England have been drawn in Group D for the FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup alongside China, Denmark and debutants, Haiti.
