Sarina Wiegman warns Australia are more than just Sam Kerr
The England boss praised Tony Gustavsson's side
England are set to play in front of a sell out Stadium Australia
By Emily Keogh
Ahead of their semi final clash with Australia, England boss Sarina Wiegman has praised the Matildas and believes that there is more to them than Chelsea striker Sam Kerr.
Australia have been a kryptonite for England, serving them their sole loss under Wiegman. The Lionesses were beaten 2-0 by the Matildas at a rainy Brentford back in April, ending a 30-game unbeaten streak that began when Wiegman took over in September 2021.
However, Australia have been without star player Kerr for much of the World Cup after suffering a calf injury on the eve of the tournament. She missed the entire group stage, returning as an unused for the last of the three games, and has only appeared off the bench so far in the knockout rounds.
Yet the depth of coach Tony Gustavsson's squad has masked her absence, with 20-year-old Mary Flower stepping up in her place.
"Australia is not just Sam Kerr," Wiegman said, speaking ahead of their semi-final clash. "Yes, we have a plan [if she starts]. She can play and start on the bench, so that’s the situation.
"Of course, she is a threat; she’s a very good player, so a lot of respect [to her]. But there is more than Sam Kerr because, in the end, it is always a team performance. When the team does really well, an individual can do even better. That’s the same for Australia, and it’s the same for England. There is a lot of pressure on her because everyone expects things from her."
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Individual performances can so often be key to success in tournaments. However, Wiegman praised Australia's collective performances in the World Cup so far.
"I think Australia have grown in the tournament too, they had some difficult situations they had to come back from, and they did really well. We expect a very strong Australia tomorrow," she said.
The game is expected to draw an 80,000 capacity crowd at Stadium Australia. But as little as 10% are likely to be England fans, leading Wiegman to believe the hosts are no underdog.
"I don’t think they’re the underdog; they’re playing at home" she said. "The stadium will be really full. It’s two very strong teams that have grown into the tournament. I think it’s going to be very tight and very, very competitive."
