Millie Bright's touching gesture to Sam Kerr spotted after England World Cup win

16 August 2023 , 13:42

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Bright and Kerr were pictured hugging after the game

Millie Bright was spotted consoling Chelsea teammate Sam Kerr after England's World Cup semi-final victory over Australia.

The Lionesses romped to a 3-1 victory over the Matildas in front of a sell-out crowd Sydney, becoming the first English side since 1966 to reach a World Cup Final. Ella Toone opened the scoring in the first half before a stunning strike from Kerr brought the Matildas level after the break.

But Lauren Hemp quickly restored England's advantage before Alessia Ruso capped off a superb display with a smart finish to book England's place in the last two. Jubilation for Sarina Wiegman's side meant heartbreak for tournament co-hosts Australia - who were competing in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.

There were question marks over whether Kerr would start Wednesday's clash, with the Chelsea forward having missed the entirety of the group stages with a calf injury sustained on the eve of the tournament. However Tony Gustavsson named her in his starting XI to face the Lionesses. After a tough first half, Kerr came to life following the interval, rifling home a sublime leveller before spurning a flurry of good chances to give Australia the lead.

And, after the full-time whistle, Kerr was commiserated by Bright, who enjoyed an intriguing battle with her clubmate throughout Wednesday's contest. Kerr admitted she was heartbroken at the end of the game as the hosts fell just short of the final.

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"It’s been an enjoyable ride to be on, I guess regardless of the calf, it’s been an amazing honour to be here," she said. "The one I missed the last little bit but I think I did everything I can to be back in this tournament and if I train more than five times this World Cup, maybe I would have sunk that one.

“I can’t put all the blame on myself, I have to think of all the things the team have done and I’ve done to be where we are right now and inspire the nation but yeah, it’s really disappointing."

England will face Spain at Stadium Australia on Sunday as they bid to add a World Cup trophy to their European crown. Jorge Vilda's side edged past Sweden to book their spot in the Final and are also competing in the showpiece fixture for the first time.

Beth Lindop