The Matildas head coach, Tony Gustavasson, has hinted on the eve of Australia’s historic World Cup semi‑final that the star striker Sam Kerr will again be used off the bench against England in Sydney.
Kerr returned from a calf injury as a late substitute in the last 16, before playing more than 60 minutes as the Matildas’ quarter-final against France went to penalties. With just four days between the games – and Australia’s attacking quartet of Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Emily van Egmond and Hayley Raso combining well – Kerr’s addition to the starting lineup would cause complications for the manager.