Australia vs England National Football Team rarely disappoint with International friendlies. Both sides include quality players and have a long history of going head to head. The expected lineups, key players and tactical approaches are detailed in this piece. So to any of you fans or bandwagoners, here is an in depth look at this exciting fixture.
WOMEN’S RIVALRY IN PAST
The rise of women’s football in recent years has been phenomenal, including Australia and England as being two quality teams internationally. The two teams have played each other many times before, both in friendlies and official tournaments all games that inevitably produced dramatic matches full of high stakes.
Key matches before this game
Recent meetings between the Australia Matildas and English Lionesses suggest a close match with few points conceded. One such instance was during the semifinals of to 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, England vs Germany in which England won and went into the final. But the resilience of Australia and their home support was an enduring memory. That will only leave us to wait in anticipation for even tougher matches between the legendary football teams.
Probable Australia Women’s National Football Team XI
The Matildas Australia women’s national football team has been one of the powerhouse teams in women’s soccer around for years now. The Matildas, led by Tony Gustavsson are reputed to be a high pressing and aggressive attacking style of team. A group of savvy veterans and exciting young prospects has allowed the team to play energized, well rounded hockey.
Potential Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Mackenzie Arnold A solid shot stopper who has good experience playing in big games.
Right back: Ellie Carpenter Boasts immense speed and is a tremendous defender for Australia
Centre backs: Clare Polkinghorne and Alanna Kennedy The defensive pairing will bring stability in experience to the right centre position of Australia.
Left back: Steph Catley strong fullback winging her way up and down the flanks for both defensive and attacking phases.
Midfielders: Kyra Cooney Cross, Tameka Yallop, Katrina GorryThis trio possesses a blend of invention, ball retention and defensive smarts. It is Gorry who in particular provides the link between defence and attack.
Forwards: Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr The Matildas captain is arguably the team’s best scorer. Foord, along with Fowler can help support the goals and play in teams spreading out wide as well as playing centrally.
Predicted Starting XAs: England Women’s National Football Team
The England Women’s National Football Team, more formally referred to as the Lionesses has been a powerhouse in European and global football for some time. The Lionesses have risen to become one of the finest teams in world football under head coach Sarina Wiegman, renowned for their tactical awareness and accurate finishing.
Potential Starting XI
GOALKEEPER MARY EARPS: Arguably the best possible goalkeeper that I could pick in world football with esteemed shot stopping skills and confidence in playing out of the back.
Right back: Lucy Bronze: A rock in defence and attack, she is England’s longstanding right back who adds priceless experience.
Centre backs: Millie Bright and Alex GreenwoodBright are a colossus at the back while playing from left or as part of the bottom three with calmness in possession.
Left back: Rachel DalyOriginally a forward, keeping goal has turned her into one of the most effective fullbacks in England who does very well defensively while also contributing further up.
Midfielders: Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Lauren Hemp a deep lying playmaker in the form of Kiera Walsh complemented by an energetic box to box dynamo duo Georgehe Stanway is always on for some through balls whilst Lauren based more around goals rather than assists.
Forwards: Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo Ella Toone Kelly’s extreme pace and flair along with the physicality of 7) make for a Dangerous trio attacking.
Key Tactical Battles
Midfield Dominance
This could be a battle in the midfield area and that is where I see this match being won or lost. The tempo of the game will be controlled by Australia’s Kyra Cooney Cross and England’s Keira Walsh. Both sides rely on their central midfielders to create and dictate the game. England might be able to feed its forwards by zipping behind the Australian midfield, as Australia may test England’s Central Midfielders for space so that they won’t get their rhythm default state.
Defensive Strategies
The defences are the strength of each of their teams, but they will be up against other challenges. Australia will need to keep Chloe Kelly quiet and prevent Alessia Russo from getting into those goalscoring positions behind their backline. Up front, it will be the job of England’s defenders to shackle Sam Kerr, who is adept at punishing any momentary loss in concentration with her intelligent running and decisive shooting.
Wide Areas and Wing Play
Australia and England will both fancy their wingers to tip the balance of power. Australia will need Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley on hand to handle what England chooses to throw at them out wide, with Lucy Bronze also making those thunderous overlapping runs, as well as Rachel Daly, kicking in when necessary against the quick counter attacks that come from some of Australia’s talents. Which side can activate dominance in the wide areas will depend on who wins that full back battle this evening.
Watch Australia vs England Players
Sam Kerr (Australia)
Kerr is one of the biggest names in Australian football, quite possibly their greatest ever player and certainly among the best forwards in women’s football globally. She can score from anywhere on the field while possessing a high work rate in addition to leadership qualities. Headers, volleys, long range shots 1v9 Kerr can take over a game just like that.
Keira Walsh (England)
England’s midfield general, Walsh is recognised for her range of passing and game management. England can be expected to have the run of things if she can take control in midfield and play on her terms. The former Arsenal star is an architect of the Lionesses’ forward play, with her ability to pick out forwards up front through precision designs and efficient passes on top level.
Mary Fowler (Australia)
Approaching world class status, Fowler is both the creator and finisher on Australia’s attack with great dribbling skills & vision. With the ability to play in a variety of positions and an uncanny knack for finding space even when surrounded by bodies, she’s always on the move with or without the ball which makes her a constant menace to opposition defenders.
Last 5 Games and Predicted Results
Australia’s Recent Form
They’ve been on the rise and were playing some really solid cricket, especially in their recent home World Cup. The likes of Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler headline a solid foundation built by Ante Milicic Photo Rachel Bach By The White Line. Their potent attack has been paired with a stingy defence, as they have proven to be difficult competition for any team.
England’s Recent Form
It is a case of more and more one way traffic in the international arena when it comes to England. They have beaten big teams and they are capable of playing under pressure because they have a good squad. This makes them a very dangerous side with their tactical flexibility and ability to break down defences.
Conclusion
Australia vs England has Goliath line ups with elite international players so it’s guaranteed to be a hotly fought, close run contest. The midfield battle will be vital and the lineups are going to decide who comes out in front. A rich tradition of attacking play, driven by star talent that includes the likes of Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Keira Walsh.
The clash will provide not just enjoyment to the public, but a snapshot of how far women’s football has progressed as two top sides do battle in an affair that may set the tone for games down the line.
Read More: England vs Australia Rugby Match Result
