England meet 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup joint-hosts, Australia in an international friendly at Gtech Community Stadium.
With the start of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand just over three months away, this match will be the last chance for players in both teams to impress and secure their spot at the World Cup.
Team News
Alex Greenwood is ruled out for England after she was forced to withdraw from the squad, having needed medical treatment for a head injury during the Lionesses’ Women’s Finalissima win over Brazil.
Australia have no fresh injury concerns to report after their defeat against Scotland, with Sam Kerr looking to return after she was rested amongst unused substitutes against the Tartan Army.
Alanna Kennedy, Emily van Egmond, Caitlin Foord and Holly McNamara all withdrew prior to their Good Friday defeat against Scotland, and won’t be involved in this match.
When is Kick-Off?
England host Australia at Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, London, on Tuesday 11 April in a 7:45pm BST kick-off, live on ITV4 in UK.
Stat Attack
- England have lost just one of their last five meetings against Australia (W3, D1, L1), excluding their 4-3 Quarter-Final loss at 2020 Olympics under the Team GB name.
- Australia are winless in two previous away matches against England on English soil (D1, L1), having lost 1-0 in September 2003 then drew 1-1 in October 2018.
- Just six England players on the teamsheet from their last meeting against Australia in October 2018 are in the current squad; Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs, Keira Walsh, Rachel Daly and Leah Williamson.
- Ella Toone has scored in two of her last three England appearances when playing in London, having netted in 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro Final and in 2023 Women’s Finalissima.
- Australia are unbeaten in two of three matches played in London, England, against any opposition in all competitions (W1, D1, L1).
Prediction
Although a fourth trophy in 14 months and 30 matches unbeaten under Wiegman will have lifted confidence, England though can’t afford to rest on their laurels after their Finalissima win exposed them at their absolute best yet also at their very worst.
The big positive from that game is that when England are dictating the tempo and playing free-flowing football, they’re unbeatable unlike when forced to defend hard, which is when mistakes creep in especially in terms of pace and positioning to mark the opposition so I do expect improvement.
Australia meanwhile should be more dangerous if Kerr is back in the starting line-up, especially after a timid performance against Scotland where they lacked much end product despite their dominance, meaning that another defeat won’t be ideal confidence wise heading into a home World Cup.
This match also marks the last chance for players to secure their squad places at the World Cup which could add more urgency if some players go all-out to impress, although I am backing England to get the win if they can play like they did in the first half against Brazil but this time over 90 minutes.
Prediction: England 2-1 Australia
Result: England 0-2 Australia
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