All eyes on the World Cup love triangle: How fans will be paying VERY close attention to the rivalry on and off the pitch as England’s Rachel Daly comes face to face with Australian star player Sam Kerr… who is dating the Lioness’ ex-girlfriend

With England and Australia facing each other in the Women’s World Cup today, all the focus will be on which team can prevail over the other. But due to the close relationship between the players of both teams, this is no ordinary match…

The match sees England’s Rachel Daly come face to face with Australian star player Sam Kerr, who is now dating the Lioness’s ex-girlfriend, American football player Kristie Mewis.

Aston Villa star Daly split from Mewis in 2020, with Kerr reportedly set to begin her relationship with Mewis the following year.

The love triangle is just one of many close ties between both teams more in common than competing fans might care to admit.

For example, nearly half of the Aussies’ 23-man roster – known as the Matildas – playing for English clubs in the Women’s Super League.

Daly and Mewis when they went out together. The couple separated in 2020

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

For example, Australian star player Kerr joined Chelsea in 2019 – along with teammates, among others England‘s Millie Bright, Fran Kirby, Jess Carter and the currently suspended Lauren James.

Earlier this year, James and Kerr were photographed celebrating arm in arm after winning an award for their performances last season – although England fans will no doubt be praying that Kerr’s V for victory sign will not be seen after tomorrow’s match.

Kerr is the two-time consecutive top goalscorer at Chelsea, and when she starts tomorrow she will face defender Bright, the England captain.

“I love Sam, but as soon as you cross that white line, she’s the opponent,” Bright said when asked how she handles playing against her teammate.

“It doesn’t matter to me what’s going on out here, she’s an opponent and there’s work to be done.”

The pair are close 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.

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

The love triangle is just one of many close ties between both teams. Sam Kerr, left, and Millie Bright are close friends and Chelsea teammates

From left to right, Katie McCabe, Jordan Nobbs of England and Aussie Caitlin Foord in Ibiza

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

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

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

Millie Bright and Sam Kerr pose with the trophy after their FA Cup final win between Chelsea and Manchester United

From left to right Caitlin Foerde, Jordan Nobbs and Katie McCabe on the resort island

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

As for the Man City contingent playing in the semi-finals, England’s Chloe Kelly and Australia’s Mary Fowler will face each other – after causing a stir by stripping naked for a Calvin Klein advert.

Kelly became a star for England at last year’s European Women’s Championship, scoring a last-minute goal in extra time against Germany to win the competition, before taking off her shirt and running across the pitch in celebration.

It was a memorable celebration – and one that England fans desperately hope will be repeated tomorrow.