AFC Women's Asian Cup
It will mark Kerr’s first competitive action for Australia since scoring a stunning goal in the 3-1 defeat to England in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 semi-final.
“I feel very lucky to be at another major tournament on home soil,” said Kerr. “Most players never get the chance to play one at home, let alone two. I’m looking forward to focusing on football again, not my left calf, and enjoying being back with the team.”
The Chelsea star has no doubt Australia will be challenging for the title.
“Every year that I have played with the Matildas, the team keeps improving. It’s a mix of experienced players who’ve played overseas and the younger generation coming through, who are really strong. I think it’ll be a good game, and with the extra players in the squad, we might even go a bit further in the tournament.”
The Chelsea star has no doubt Australia will be challenging for the title.
“Every year that I have played with the Matildas, the team keeps improving. It’s a mix of experienced players who’ve played overseas and the younger generation coming through, who are really strong. I think it’ll be a good game, and with the extra players in the squad, we might even go a bit further in the tournament.”
The 32-year-old, who is Australia’s all-time leading goalscorer with 69 goals, admitted that recovery from her ACL injury has been tough.
“It’s been a rollercoaster coming back from my ACL injury. From December onwards as I started scoring more goals and feeling relaxed in my ability, I began to feel at my best.
“I would say I’m around 85 percent back to my best. I haven’t had that one game where I felt completely myself yet, but I’m getting there.”
“It’s been a rollercoaster coming back from my ACL injury. From December onwards as I started scoring more goals and feeling relaxed in my ability, I began to feel at my best.
“I would say I’m around 85 percent back to my best. I haven’t had that one game where I felt completely myself yet, but I’m getting there.”
Beyond her personal journey Kerr hopes her story inspires other nations.
“When I went to my first AFC Women’s Asian Cup, no one expected us to win. We were outsiders. Now the Matildas are a household name.
“I hope other nations can see that and be inspired. Moments like the Philippines playing in their first FIFA World Cup really show how football can grow a nation.”
“When I went to my first AFC Women’s Asian Cup, no one expected us to win. We were outsiders. Now the Matildas are a household name.
“I hope other nations can see that and be inspired. Moments like the Philippines playing in their first FIFA World Cup really show how football can grow a nation.”
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