England captain's dramatic face-off with best friend ahead of World Cup final
They are the best of friends off the pitch, and proud to line up together in the blue of Chelsea, writes Hollie Bone and Jeremy Armstrong in Sydney, Australia.
But today, Millie Bright and Sam Kerr will be out to break each other’s hearts. England captain and central defender Bright will be tasked with stopping Australia striker Kerr in this morning’s World Cup semi-final in Sydney. The pair were pictured side by side kissing the Women’s Super League trophy after Chelsea’s triumph in May.
Bright said of her teammate: “The proudest. You’re incredible.” And when Kerr scored the winning goal in last season’s FA Cup final, Bright was the first to give her a hug. She paid tribute to Kerr for never complaining even when she faced long flights on international duty with Australia. The pair also enjoy each other’s company off the pitch, and were often seen together at club functions and fashion shoots.
They recently enjoyed a ‘spa day’ with some team mates, and took selfies as they larked around in Chelsea hoodies. All that will be forgotten as soon as they step out at Stadium Australia, with a place in Sunday’s final against Spain up for grabs. Bright said: “She’s an amazing player. The world already knows that. They’re a brilliant team – but so are we. As soon as we step over that white line, she’s an opponent.”
Millie Bright (FIFA via Getty Images)
Sam Kerr (Getty Images)Chesterfield-born Bright, who turns 30 next Monday, knows the Lionesses will face plenty of hostility from the stands as they aim to knock the hosts out in the latest instalment of one of the world’s oldest sporting rivalries. Kerr, 29, from Western Australia, is in the running for a starting role, having missed the start of the tournament with a calf injury. She recovered to net one of the Matildas’ spot kicks in their 7-6 penalty win over France in Saturday’s quarter-final.
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Aussie manager Tony Gustavsson hinted his star may be used off the bench today. He said: “We have some decisions to make. We will be trying to start as strong as possible but finishing even stronger.” Gustavsson added their entire focus had been on England since they travelled on the bus to the airport from Brisbane on Sunday after their win over France.
He added: “We spent some time with family and friends. After that, it was all about England, the mission in training has been to get fit and ready.” England and Chelsea defender Niamh Charles said she was blown away by the adulation of Kerr in her home nation.
She said: “Watching her being so excited ahead of playing in front of her home country is really special. What happened with the injury was gutting for her but she just gets on with it. She’s a machine.” A record TV audience is predicted in Australia, while the match is being shown in the UK on BBC 1, with kick-off at 11am.
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