The rivalry between England and Australia reignites on Tuesday night (Wednesday 6am AEDT) as the Lionesses face the Matildas in a high-profile friendly at Pride Park — the first meeting since England’s 3-1 win in the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final in Sydney.
England midfielder Ella Toone, who scored the opening goal in that memorable semi-final, acknowledged that the Matildas would be motivated by payback.
“For Australia, we broke a lot of their hearts out there at the World Cup, so for them, it’ll feel like a revenge game,” Toone said ahead of the clash.
Australian captain Steph Catley echoed that sentiment, admitting that the pain from that loss still lingers.
“It does become a little bit of a revenge game,” she said. “I think that’s probably one of the most heartbroken I’ve been after a game. You do think about that a little bit, but it’s a completely new team, new coach, new players.”
Despite the emotional backdrop, England coach Sarina Wiegman insisted her focus is on the present rather than the past.
“We have moved on and they have moved on,” Wiegman said, emphasizing that the team’s mindset is forward-looking.
England come into the match after a rare home defeat to Brazil last weekend — their first outing since winning the European Championships in July. Toone said that result has only intensified their determination to bounce back.
“We’re England, we want to win every game,” she said. “These games are friendlies, but there are no friendlies in football. It’s difficult when you lose a game, but there’s another game right around the corner to put things right.”
The upcoming encounter will feature plenty of familiar faces. Most of the Matildas who started the 2023 semi-final are expected to play, with the exception of Clare Polkinghorne, who has retired, and Mary Fowler, who is injured. For England, Mary Earps, Millie Bright, and Rachel Daly have retired from international duty, while Lauren Hemp misses out through injury.
Adding another layer to the rivalry, 11 players from the Australian squad currently play in England’s Women’s Super League, creating an added sense of familiarity and competitive edge.
“I think it gives you more of an insight into what those players bring on the pitch,” said Toone. “You know the strengths and weaknesses of each player.”
With pride, redemption, and bragging rights on the line, Tuesday’s match in Derby promises to deliver more than just friendly fireworks.
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