The Matildas have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Nigeria and the Republic of Ireland who they face in their opening group-stage match at the Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday, with kick-off at 11am (UK time).

Ahead of the match, Kerr addressed the media at a press conference where she discussed respect for the opposition, relishing the moment and managing the expectation that comes with playing a home World Cup.

A bumper crowd is expected for this fixture where Kerr will proudly lead her side out as they look to progress past the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the very first time. The 29-year-old forward says Australia will respect the Republic of Ireland, but must ensure they remain focused on themselves.

‘We have seen some of Ireland’s previous games but it’s about us tomorrow,’ Kerr commented. ‘We need to make sure we are on top of our game. Every opponent brings new challenges but once we can play our game we can adapt to what comes at us.

‘We respect Ireland, they have had some good results lately but it’s about us tomorrow.’

The Blues striker emphasised the importance of relishing the occasion and remaining present, acknowledging there will be challenges along the way but alluded to the togetherness between the Matildas and their home support.

‘I’m really excited about playing in front of a packed stadium. But as a team, it’s going to go up and down, so just live in the moment. We’ve waited a long time for this game.

‘We’ve spoken about it. It’s okay to feel nervous, because that is life, that’s football life. We can talk about it, it’s about being in the moment and supporting one another. [A crowd of ] 50,000 the other day against France in Melbourne was amazing. We dealt with it really well.’

With a home World Cup comes expectation however, Kerr believes the team have been able to come to terms with this over a sustained period of time. The overriding emotion is pride and the aim is to capitalise on an opportunity to shine on home turf.

‘For me, the expectation has kind of been growing for the past four years, it’s been something I’ve learnt to deal with, it’s something I’ve really enjoyed. I’m really proud that we’ve got a home World Cup. I’m really excited for it, but of course everyone in Australia has a lot of expectations but it’s something I take in my stride and try and just enjoy it.

‘Back at Chelsea, I‘ve done that too, I just enjoy it. And that’s when I’m at my best. So for me it’s about enjoying it, expectation just comes from outside noise.’