The tell-tale sign that injured striker Sam Kerr is NOT ready to give up the Matildas captaincy - as former coach makes a big call on her playing future

Sam Kerr was sorely missed by the Matildas in their 2-1 defeat against the USWNT at the SheBelieves Cup - and if her Instagram story is any guide, she has no plans to relinquish the captaincy anytime soon.

Kerr, 31, shared an image showing debutant Laini Freier, who replaced Kyra Cooney-Cross late in the second half on Monday morning AEDT as the Tillies chased an equaliser in Arizona.

It is understood Kerr - who was recently found not guilty of racial aggravated harassment of a UK police officer - was watching the action at home in London with her pregnant fiancée Kristie Mewis, who happens to be American.

Kerr's post included two hand clapping emojis, as she publicly showcased her support for Freier, who plays for Brisbane Roar in the A-League women's competition.

Speaking at fulltime, USWNT manager Emma Hayes - who previously coached Kerr at Chelsea - has no doubt the goal machine can return at her brilliant best.

Kerr is weeks away from again gracing the Blues' team sheet after more than a year sidelined following an ACL rupture.

Sam Kerr was sorely missed by the Matildas in their 2-1 defeat against the USWNT at the SheBelieves Cup - and if her Instagram story is any guide, she has no plans to relinquish the captaincy

Kerr, 31, shared an image showing debutant Laini Freier, (pictured) who replaced Kyra Cooney-Cross late in the second half as the Tillies chased an equaliser in Arizona

Meanwhile, USWNT manager Emma Hayes - who coached Kerr at Chelsea - has no doubt the goal machine can return from her ACL injury and soon be at her brilliant best

'I love Sam Kerr – I'll always love Sam Kerr, she's amazing,' Hayes said.

'I'm sure she will find another step to be the very best Sam Kerr.'

Meanwhile, coach Tom Sermanni said he was encouraged by the Matildas' response against the USA after he labelled their woeful performance against Japan 'un-Australian.'

It followed a 4-0 defeat where his team were at times hopelessly out of their depth.

'Our effort and attitude were so much better in this game, especially after the start we had,' Sermanni said.

'Given the performance of the last game and the result.....and then conceding a goal after probably less than a minute, I think we could easily have just sort of caved in.

'So from a perspective of the team digging in, I was really pleased with that part.'

The Matildas play their final game of the SheBelieves tournament in California at 11.30am AEDT on Thursday against Colombia.

Both nations will be pushing for a victory after back to back defeats.