Sam Kerr sent emotional message to Australia players after England Women's World Cup defeat
Sam Kerr was devastated after Australia lost to England at the Women's World Cup
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Sam Kerr praised Australia players and cut an emotional figure after her side's defeat to England on Wednesday.
The Chelsea star scored a stunning goal against the Lionesses but it wasn't enough, with goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo sending Sarina Wiegman's side through to the Women's World Cup final.
Speaking after the game, Kerr lamented the injury issues she'd endured throughout the tournament - referencing a spurned chance.
And she also praised her team-mates, insisting they had been 'amazing' despite their failure to go through.
Australia star Sam Kerr netted a stunner during England Women's World Cup defeat
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“I think I did everything that I can to be back in this tournament," said the 29-year-old, who proved why she was one of the best players in the world.
"If I trained more, five times in this World Cup, maybe I would have sunk that one.
“I can’t put all the blame on myself. I have to think of all the things the team have done and I have done to be where we are now and inspire a nation. It is really disappointing.
“It’s been tough. I can’t remember the last time I missed three games in a row.
"Just had to stick with the girls and they’ve done amazing and just had to focus what I could focus on and then be ready for tonight and the minutes I got over the last two games.
“It’s been an enjoyable ride to be on, I guess regardless of the calf, it’s been an amazing honour to be here.”
In a separate interview, Kerr demanded more funding for women's football out in Australia.
“I can only speak for the Matildas [but], you know, we need funding in our development, we need funding in our grassroots," said the Chelsea striker.
"We need funding, you know, we need funding everywhere.
“You know, comparison to other sports isn’t really good enough and hopefully this tournament kind of changes that because that’s the legacy you leave, not what you do on the pitch.
“The legacy is what you do off the pitch.
"Hopefully. I mean, it’s hard to talk about now, but hopefully that this is the start of something new.”
She continued: “That’s kind of the only thing that’s keeping me smiling right now is the way that we’ve kind of inspired the nation.
“Everyone’s got behind us. The tournament’s been amazing. Every single team and player and person that’s visited has said how beautiful our country is.
“So, I think for us, it’s been hopefully life-changing for women’s football in Australia.”
While it was pain for Australia, it was joy for England.
They'll now compete in the final of the Women's World Cup for the first time in their entire history.
Manager Wiegman wanted to party after the win - but insists the job isn't done yet as she looks to bring the trophy home.
"I feel like at the moment, I really want to party but the job is not done yet!" she told talkSPORT.
"I am so happy with the big picture of how we have gone through this tournament and how we won this game.
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Sam Kerr dubbed Australia players 'amazing' after England Women's World Cup defeat
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"It was an incredible environment. 80-85,000 people behind Australia so, of course, it is going to be a tough game.
"They are a good team, they grew into the tournament, it is an away game for us but winning 3-1 is really incredible."
England's next opponents, Spain, booked their slot in the final with a 2-1 win over Sweden on Tuesday.
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