Kerr leads Matildas in Chile test before qualifiers

SAM Kerr will lead a strong Matildas squad for their Tokyo Olympics qualifying tune-up games against Chile next month.

Fresh off another recordbreaking campaign in the US’ NWSL, Kerr was among 18 members of Australia’s World Cup squad selected in coach Ante Milicic’s 21-player group for the internationals against the South Americans on November 9 in Sydney and November 12 in Adelaide.

Emma Checker (three caps) and uncapped duo Jenna McCormick and keeper Sarah Willacy have been selected as they press claims for inclusion for February’s 2020 Games qualifiers.

“We held a great training camp in Sydney earlier this month, however, for footballers nothing beats playing matches,” Milicic said.

“These two games against Chile will be our only fixtures prior to February’s first phase of qualifying for Tokyo 2020, so we will be treating them with the utmost concentration and professionalism as we aim to make great use of our time together.”

Australia will face China, Taiwan and Thailand in their Olympics qualifiers between February 3 and 9.

In a revamped qualifying format, the top two teams from each group will advance to the two-leg playoffs, which take place on March 6 and 11.

Mackenzie Arnold (gk), Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Emma Checker, Caitlin Foord, Emily Gielnik, Katrina Gorry, Amy Harrison, Elise Kellond-Knight, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr (c), Chloe Logarzo, Aivi Luik, Jenna McCormick, Clare Polkinghorne, Hayley Raso, Karly

Roestbakken, Emily van Egmond, Sarah Willacy (gk), Lydia Williams (gk), Tameka Yallop.