Matildas rebuild with Kerr as skipper

Coach Joe Montemurro has defended reinstating Sam Kerr as captain of the Australian women’s side, calling it a “football decision” and not a “political one”.

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The 32-year-old Chelsea striker captained the Matildas in their 3-0 loss to England in Derby on Oct 28.

This was only her second start for the national team after being sidelined for nearly two years with a serious knee injury.

During her time away she was involved in a high-profile court case in London, accused of racially aggravated harassment of a police officer during a drunken night out.

She was found not guilty, but the judge said her “behaviour contributed significantly to the bringing of this allegation”.

It tarnished her image and sections of the Australian public were opposed to her becoming national captain again.

“We've made a decision internally for what we believe is the best for football performance and for the group,” Montemurro said after the match.