Sawt Falasteen - Coach defends handing Australia captaincy back to Sam Kerr

The 32-year-old Chelsea striker wore the armband during the Matildas 3-0 defeat to England in Derby on Tuesday during her second start since a near two-year absence 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.

"I make football decisions. I'm not going to make any political decisions, they're purely football, and Sam is an important part of what we're trying to do.

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

Arsenal defender Steph Catley captained the side while Kerr was recovering.

Ellie Carpenter, a teammate of Kerr's at Chelsea, backed Montemurro's decision.

"Sam's always been our captain," she said. "She's changed football in Australia. For us having her on the team is a massive boost for us."

F.AbuShamala--SF-PST