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As England and Australia face off in the Women’s World Cup today, all the attention will be on which team can triumph over the other. But the close relationship between players from both teams means this is no ordinary contest…
The match will see England’s Rachel Daly come up against Australian star Sam Kerr – who is now dating the Lioness’ ex-girlfriend, American footballer Kristie Mewis.
Aston Villa star Daly split from Mewis in 2020, Kerr reportedly began his relationship with Mewis the following year.
The love triangle is just one of many close ties between the two teams, which have more in common than competitive fans might want to acknowledge.
For example, nearly half of Australia’s 23-man squad – known as the the Mathildes – playing for English clubs in the Women’s Super League.
Today, England’s Rachel Daly will come face-to-face with Australian star Sam Kerr – who is now dating the Lioness’ ex-girlfriend, American player Kristie Mewis. Pictured are Kerr and Mewis
Daly and Mewis when they were dating. The couple separated in 2020
Kerr after Australia win over New Zealand (left) and right: Daly after England beat Nigeria
For example, Australian star player Kerr joined Chelsea in 2019 – alongside his teammates, including England‘s Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Jess Carter and Lauren James, currently suspended.
Earlier this year, James and Kerr were pictured celebrating arm-in-arm together after winning an award for their performances last season – although England fans will no doubt be praying for the V sign in Victory Kerr is not shown after tomorrow’s game.
Kerr is Chelsea’s second-highest goalscorer in a row, and if she starts tomorrow she will face defender Bright, the England captain.
“I love Sam, but as soon as you cross that white line, she’s the opponent,” Bright said when asked how she would handle playing against her teammate.
“For me, no matter what happens away from here, she’s an opponent and there’s work to be done.”
The pair are good friends – and Bright was pictured lifting Kerr into the air after their side won the 2022 FA Cup.
They were also pictured planting a kiss on the Barclays Women’s Super League trophy following the team’s victory this year.
At Arsenal, Australian striker Caitlin Foord and England’s Jordan Nobbs – a gunner until earlier this year – were among a group of players who vacationed together in Ibiza ahead of the tournament.
The love triangle is just one of many close ties between the two teams. Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright are close friends and Chelsea teammates
Left to right, Katie McCabe, Englishman Jordan Nobbs and Aussie Caitlin Foord clubbing in Ibiza
Manchester City’s Mary Fowler celebrates her goal with Alex Greenwood in this year’s FA Women’s Super League
England’s Millie Bright, left, with Australian star Sam Kerr
Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright celebrate with the 2020 Barclays FA Women’s Super League trophy
Millie Bright and Sam Kerr pose with the trophy after their victory in the FA Cup final match between Chelsea and Manchester United
Left to right, Caitlin Foorde, Jordan Nobbs and Katie McCabe on the resort island
The pair, who were pictured clubbing, were joined by Irish international player Katie McCabe.
As for the Man City contingent playing in the semi-finals, England’s Chloe Kelly and Australia’s Mary Fowler will line up in opposing bands – after causing a stir by stripping down for a Calvin Klein advert.
Kelly became a star for England at last year’s Women’s Euro, scoring a last-minute extra-time goal against Germany to win the competition, before ripping off her shirt and running over full length of the pitch to celebrate.
It was a celebration to remember – and one that England fans are desperate to see repeated tomorrow.