Matildas Coach Joe Montemurro Backs Sam Kerr as Captain

Sam Kerr retained as Matildas Captain

Australia coach Joe Montemurro confirms Sam Kerr as Matildas captain ahead of the Women's Asian Cup, despite controversy and performance concerns.

“We know we only have two games left ... I think it's a learning and growing opportunity...”

Australia coach Joe Montemurro has put the Matildas' captaincy debate to rest with a strong endorsement of Sam Kerr, reaffirming her role as captain ahead of the Women's Asian Cup in March.

The Matildas suffered a 3-0 loss to England in a friendly match in Derby, where Kerr reclaimed the captain's armband. Despite the defeat, Kerr's leadership remains unchanged, with Montemurro citing her importance to the team's football performance.

Inside the pre-match huddle ⭕️🗣️#Matildas #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/dFugoz0MkR

— CommBank Matildas (@TheMatildas) October 29, 2025

The decision to restore Sam Kerr's captaincy was contentious among Australian fans, particularly given her past controversy involving verbal abuse towards police. However, coach Joe Montemurro emphasized that the decision was based purely on football considerations.

Montemurro stated, “We've made a decision internally for what we believe is the best for the football performance and for the group.” He added that Kerr is an important part of the team and that they are happy with her continuing as captain.

“We've made a decision internally for what we believe is the best for the football performance and for the group,” he said at a post-match press conference.

"They're purely football and Sam is an important part of what we're trying to do.

"And, as far as we're concerned, we just kept the status quo going forward and we're happy with her continuing on as captain.”

Chelsea forward Sam Kerr struggled to find her scoring boots in her second match back from a nearly two-year international absence. Despite failing to score, Kerr showed glimpses of her skill, creating a promising first-half chance that England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton expertly denied. The Matildas were trailing 1-0 at the time, and things didn't get any easier after Alanna Kennedy's red card for fouling Alessia Russo.

The Matildas were significantly outplayed by England, evident in the stark contrast in shots on goal, with England boasting 29 attempts to Australia's mere three. Playing with a man disadvantage for most of the match following Alanna Kennedy's red card didn't help their cause. However, coach Joe Montemurro will be concerned about the team's static attack and questionable defending, which struggled to contain England's attack.

Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was a rare bright spot, making several crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable. With the Women's Asian Cup looming on March 1, Montemurro has his work cut out to address these issues and find a winning formula for the tournament.

Defender Ellie Carpenter fronted the post-match press conference to discuss the Matildas' 3-0 loss to England, as captain Sam Kerr was absent.

“Yeah, it's one we probably want to forget,” she said.

“We know we only have two games left ... I think it's a learning and growing opportunity.

“It's not long until the Asian Cup.”