Emily van Egmond says the return of Sam Kerr is a ‘huge boost’ for the Matildas

Emily van Egmond insists she won’t mind if Sam Kerr’s potential return to the Matildas’ starting team comes at her expense.

She is perhaps the player with the most to lose should Sam Kerr return to the Matildas’ starting line-up, but Emily van Egmond will gladly step aside for Australia’s captain in Saturday’s FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final against France in Brisbane.

Kerr made her first appearance of the tournament – as a second-half substitute – in the Matildas’ 2-0 round-of-16 win over Denmark last Monday night in Sydney.

The question is now whether Kerr’s injured calf has recovered sufficiently for her to play from the opening whistle against the French.

Debate is also raging as to whether the Matildas’ starting 11 that has performed so well in Australia’s wins over the Danes and Canada (4-0) should be tinkered with such has been the combination’s success.

If superstar Chelsea forward Kerr was to start against France, in all likelihood it would be either 30-year-old van Egmond or young star Mary Fowler who would drop to the bench.

Sam Kerr (left) and Emily van Egmond celebrate after Australia’s win over Denmark. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

However, van Egmond said she would happily make way for the world’s “best striker”.

“Sam’s here, she’s in good spirits and for us a team, it’s good to see her back, and it’s just a huge boost for us now,” the Newcastle product said.

“Sam’s the best striker in the world. There’s no other way to look at it other than it’s a massive positive for us going into this big game. It’s a scary thought to add that to our attacking arsenal.

“Whatever role I’m called upon to do, I do it to the best of my ability always, and team comes first always … I’m in a good place.”

The Matildas trained behind closed doors on Thursday at the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre, preventing the media from seeing how much Kerr was involved in the session.

“(Kerr) has been immense for us, not only her joining us back on the park but her camaraderie for us off the field is massive. That goes a little bit unnoticed,” van Egmond said.

“She’s a born leader and she’s our leader and the group of girls here are just so pleased and so happy to have her back.
Kerr started in Australia’s 1-0 win over France in a pre-tournament friendly in Melbourne. was replaced after an hour.

She then suffered a calf injury on the eve of the tournament, and didn’t play in any of Australia’s three Group B matches.

A huge roar came from the Melbourne crowd when she came on in the 80th minute of the Matildas’ win over Denmark.

“I was just so happy for her to be able to make her (2023) World Cup debut,” van Egmond said.

“She got to step on the field at a home World Cup. It’s just awesome for her.”