“It’s now about introducing some new kids and new players to that [culture] because there are some question marks over some of the 31-, 32-year-olds, if they can make the next [World Cup] – but it’s one step at a time. It’s going to be a special night for everybody.”
It gives Arnold’s men another chance to prove their credentials at the highest level after their terrific run to the World Cup round of 16 in Qatar, where Gareth Southgate’s England were knocked out in the quarter-finals by France.
No Australian team has played at Wembley.Credit:AP
“We all know the sporting rivalry between our two countries and that alone will add an extra edge,” Southgate said.
The clash will come almost three years since the date the Socceroos were originally pencilled in to play there before the fixture was scrapped due to COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Tony Gustavsson said the Matildas’ clash with the Lionesses in April would be a strong barometer of their preparedness for the Women’s World Cup, describing England as arguably the world’s best team.
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Gustavsson’s mind is somewhat preoccupied with Wednesday night’s clash with Jamaica in Newcastle, which closes out their Cup of Nations campaign, but said Australia’s friendly at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium would be another important test.
It will be one of two matches the Matildas play in Europe during the April international window, with the identity of their other opponents yet to be revealed.
While 13 players from England’s Euro-winning side were part of Team GB’s 4-3 defeat to the Matildas in the quarter-finals of the Tokyo Olympics, Australia has not faced the Lionesses since a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in 2018 – and they could end up going head-to-head with them in the World Cup round of 16 if they don’t top Group B.
“England [is] maybe right now one of the best teams in the world – if not the best team in the world,” Gustavsson said. “That’s going to be a really, really good test for us to challenge us, to see where we’re at in April, and see what we need to keep working on for the World Cup.”
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