Australia star Sam Kerr makes retirement admission after England Women's World Cup loss

Australia Sam Kerr England Women's World Cup

Australia star Sam Kerr plans to play at the next Women's World Cup

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 18/08/2023

- 12:52

The 29-year-old scored as the Matildas crashed out of the tournament on Wednesday

Australia striker Sam Kerr has made it clear she has no plans to retire any time soon.

The 29-year-old scored a stunner for her side on Wednesday but it wasn't enough, with England winning 3-1 to make the final of the Women's World Cup.


Kerr was left devastated by that defeat, with the Chelsea forward plagued by injuries at the tournament.

However, speaking ahead of her side's third-place play-off match with Sweden on Saturday, the Matildas hero has vowed to still be playing when the next World Cup commences in four years' time.

Sam Kerr Australia England

Sam Kerr scored a stunning goal as England beat Australia at the Women's World Cup

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“I hope to still be here, if that’s what you are asking me. I’m only 29," she said.

“I think most of us will still be here if we have the opportunity to be, we have to play at our club, play well, stay injury free.

“There might be a few more babies, who knows, four years is a long time. But I hope the core group is together.

“At the moment, I haven’t heard any talk of anyone retiring. I think as long as there are 23 spots, I think everyone here will be fighting for them in four years’ time.”

While Australia were unable to beat England to make the final, Kerr revealed she'd enjoyed the tournament.

"I think for us all it has been the most amazing four weeks of our careers," continued the striker.

“When we first started at this World Cup, we could have never dreamed this would happen, the way the country has got behind us, the way we have been playing.

“But we have one more game where we can really end on a high.

"There’s that extra motivation to ... really leave a legacy.

"Coming third place at a World Cup is something you can only dream of as a kid.”

Meanwhile, Australia coach Tony Gustavsson has revealed he'd love to beat Sweden to ensure his side finish third.

“I can’t pick based on emotions, this is a third-place game, we are playing for a medal," he stated.

"This is a game to win.

“So the team that wins those battles will probably win the game.

"They [his players] want to experience that joy again. There is no lack of motivation."

He added: "These players don't shy away from a tackle and neither do Sweden.

"It's going to be a physical battle out there for sure.

"I've gotten to learn how to play against Sweden in tournaments.

"It is special, I have to say it really is, I have a lot of very good friends in that team both players and coaches.

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Australia Sam Kerr England

Australia star Sam Kerr was left devastated by England Women's World Cup defeat

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"But when the game starts it's 90 minutes of football and I know every single one of us whether it's Sweden or us is going to do everything we can to win."

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