In a highly anticipated match, the Australian Matildas are set to face off against England’s Lionesses in their first encounter since the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final. This clash, scheduled for October 29 at Pride Park, Derby, comes after a historic moment in Australian women’s football, where nearly half of the nation’s population tuned in to witness the Matildas’ semi-final showdown against England.
That semi-final match captivated 11.15 million Australians, who watched with bated breath as Sam Kerr’s stunning goal in the 63rd minute raised hopes of a World Cup final appearance. However, England’s Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo dashed those dreams with two late goals, securing a 3-1 victory for the Lionesses.
The upcoming friendly is more than just a rematch; it’s a chance for the Matildas to avenge their World Cup exit and gain momentum ahead of the Asian Cup, which Australia will host next March. For England, it serves as an opportunity to test their squad post their European Championship triumph.
Squad Changes and Key Players
Both teams have undergone significant changes since their World Cup encounter. The Matildas, under the guidance of coach Joe Montemurro, have been dealing with injuries and retirements. Notably, Mary Fowler, a standout performer during the World Cup, will miss the match due to an ACL injury, while veteran Clare Polkinghorne has retired.
Sam Kerr, who was absent from the team for two years, returns, bringing her formidable presence back to the field. Meanwhile, Cortnee Vine, who has been away due to personal reasons, is also set to make a comeback.
England, led by Sarina Wiegman, has also seen changes, with key players like Mary Earps and Millie Bright retiring. The team will miss Leah Williamson due to an ACL injury, alongside Lauren James and Lauren Hemp, who are sidelined with injuries.
Australia’s Squad
- Morgan Aquino [GK]
- Mackenzie Arnold [GK]
- Ellie Carpenter
- Steph Catley
- Kyra Cooney-Cross
- Caitlin Foord
- Katrina Gorry
- Charlotte Grant
- Winonah Heatley
- Michelle Heyman
- Clare Hunt
- Alanna Kennedy
- Sam Kerr
- Holly McNamara
- Teagan Micah [GK]
- Courtney Nevin
- Jamilla Rankin
- Hayley Raso
- Amy Sayer
- Remy Siemsen
- Kaitlyn Torpey
- Emily van Egmond
- Cortnee Vine
- Clare Wheeler
England’s Squad
- Michelle Agyemang
- Aggie Beever-Jones
- Laura Blindkilde Brown
- Missy Bo Kearns
- Lucy Bronze
- Jess Carter
- Niamh Charles
- Grace Fisk
- Alex Greenwood
- Hannah Hampton [GK]
- Taylor Hinds
- Khiara Keating [GK]
- Chloe Kelly
- Lucia Kendall
- Maya Le Tissier
- Beth Mead
- Anna Moorhouse [GK]
- Esme Morgan
- Jess Naz
- Georgia Stanway
- Ella Toone
- Alessia Russo
- Keira Walsh
- Lotte Wubben-Moy
Historical Context and Recent Performances
The Matildas and Lionesses have met six times in women’s football history, with Australia securing two victories. Their last encounter was the World Cup semi-final, but they also faced each other in a friendly just four months prior, where Australia emerged victorious with a 2-0 win.
England’s recent performances have been strong, although they suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Brazil, the Copa America champions, in a recent friendly. Despite playing with ten players after a red card, Brazil managed to hold off England, highlighting the Lionesses’ vulnerabilities.
“We’ve come here to a home crowd with a European trophy in our hands,” England midfielder Georgia Stanway told ITV after the Brazil match. “Today was a day we came to celebrate with them. We had a lot of chances second half, on another day they go in. We’ll review this, build from it. We’ve got a lot of time.”
Implications and Future Prospects
While no major title is at stake in this friendly, the match holds significant implications for both teams. For Australia, it’s a critical opportunity for players to secure their spots in the Asian Cup squad. With only one more international window before the final squad selection, competition is fierce among emerging talents like Jamilla Rankin and Amy Sayer.
For England, the match is a chance to refine their strategies and integrate new players into the squad. With the next major tournament being the 2027 World Cup, coach Sarina Wiegman is focused on building a cohesive and resilient team.
The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to showcase their skills and gain a psychological edge over their rivals. As the Matildas and Lionesses take the field, fans around the world will be watching closely, anticipating a high-stakes battle that could set the tone for future encounters.
