All eyes on the World Cup love triangle: Stony-faced England star Rachel Daly stands shoulder to shoulder in tunnel with Australian golden girl Sam Kerr… who is dating the Lioness’ ex-girlfriend

All eyes on the World Cup love triangle: Stony-faced England star Rachel Daly stands shoulder to shoulder in tunnel with Australian golden girl Sam Kerr… who is dating the Lioness’ ex-girlfriend

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England’s Rachel Daly stood shoulder to shoulder with Australia’s golden girl Sam Kerr before the Women’s World Cup semi-final today – a potentially awkward encounter given the Matilda is dating her ex-girlfriend. 

Aston Villa star Daly went out with American footballer Kristie Mewis between 2017 and 2019 before the couple split. Mewis is believed to have begun a relationship with Kerr in 2021. 

The love triangle is just one of many close links between both teams, who have  more in common than competitive fans might want to acknowledge.

For example, almost half of the Aussies’ 23-strong squad – known as the Matildas – play for English clubs in the Women’s Super League.

For instance, Australian star player Kerr joined Chelsea in 2019 – alongside fellow teammates including England’s Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Jess Carter and the currently suspended Lauren James.

Rachel Daly and Sam Kerr in the tunnel before today’s England v Australia game.  Kerr is dating Daly’s ex girlfriend 

England and Australia players shake hands at the start of the game

England and Australia players shake hands at the start of the game 

Aston Villa star Daly went out with American footballer Kristie Mewis between 2017 and 2019 before the couple split. Mewis is believed to have begun a relationship with Kerr (who she is pictured with) in 2021

Aston Villa star Daly went out with American footballer Kristie Mewis between 2017 and 2019 before the couple split. Mewis is believed to have begun a relationship with Kerr (who she is pictured with) in 2021 

Daly and Mewis when they were going out together. The pair split in 2020

Daly and Mewis when they were going out together. The pair split in 2020 

Earlier this year, James and Kerr were photographed celebrating together arm in arm after winning an award for their performances last season – although England fans will doubtless be praying that Kerr’s V for victory sign is not on show during today’s game.

Kerr is the two-time consecutive top goal-scorer at Chelsea and is matched against defender Bright, the England captain.

‘I love Sam but as soon as you step over that white line, she’s the opponent,’ Bright said when asked how she’ll deal with playing against her team-mate.

‘For me, it doesn’t matter what happens away from here, she’s an opponent and there’s a job to be done.’

The pair are good friends – and Bright was pictured scooping Kerr into the air after their team won the 2022 FA Cup.

They were also pictured planting a kiss on the Barclays Women’s Super League trophy following the team’s victory this year.

Over at Arsenal, Aussie forward Caitlin Foord and England’s Jordan Nobbs – a Gunner until earlier this year – were among a group of players who enjoyed a holiday in Ibiza together ahead of the tournament.

Kerr after Australia's victory against New Zealand

Daly after England beat Nigeria

Kerr after Australia’s victory against New Zealand (left) and right: Daly after England beat Nigeria 

The love triangle is just one of many close links between both teams. Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright are close friends and Chelsea team-mates

The love triangle is just one of many close links between both teams. Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright are close friends and Chelsea team-mates

Left to right, Katie McCabe, England's Jordan Nobbs and Aussie Caitlin Foord clubbing in Ibiza

Left to right, Katie McCabe, England’s Jordan Nobbs and Aussie Caitlin Foord clubbing in Ibiza

Mary Fowler of Manchester City celebrates scoring with Alex Greenwood during the FA Women's Super League this year

Mary Fowler of Manchester City celebrates scoring with Alex Greenwood during the FA Women’s Super League this year

The pair, who were pictured out clubbing, were joined by Irish international player Katie McCabe.

As for the Man City contingent playing in the semi-final, England’s Chloe Kelly and Australia’s Mary Fowler will line up in opposing strips – after causing a stir by stripping off for a Calvin Klein advert.

Kelly became a star for England during last year’s Women’s Euros, scoring a last-minute goal in extra time against Germany to win the competition, before ripping off her shirt and running the length of the pitch to celebrate.

It was a memorable celebration – and one that England fans will be desperately hoping to see repeated today.

England's Millie Bright, left, with Australian star player Sam Kerr

England’s Millie Bright, left, with Australian star player Sam Kerr

Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright celebrate with the Barclays FA Women's Super League trophy in 2020

Millie Bright and Sam Kerr pose with the trophy following their victory in the FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Manchester United

Left to right, Caitlin Foorde, Jordan Nobbs and Katie McCabe on the resort island

Left to right, Caitlin Foorde, Jordan Nobbs and Katie McCabe on the resort island

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