The Socceroos and Matildas are set to face England in a bumper double set of friendlies later this yr.
The Matildas will tackle the Lionesses, who’re additionally the reigning European champions on the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford on April 11 as Tony Gustavsson’s facet ramp up their Women’s World Cup preparation.
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The Socceroos will then make their debut on the iconic Wembley Stadium on October 13 within the first fixture between the nations since May 2016 when the Three Lions ran out 2-1 victors.
Football Australia CEO James Johnson was ecstatic to have locked within the fixtures towards the outdated enemy and famous the latest “resurgence” of Aussies making their mark in England, with Harry Souttar not too long ago changing into the only presence within the Premier League.
“Australian soccer has all the time loved a robust bond with soccer within the United Kingdom,” Johnson stated.
“Historically, we had a outstanding presence of male gamers all through the English Premier League and the English Championship.
“This was adopted by a really lean interval however at present, we’ve seen a resurgence of Australian footballers, each women and men, plying their commerce in leagues throughout the United Kingdom.”
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Johnson added that the fixtures are a transparent “signal of the drawing energy of our nationwide groups.”
Gustavsson believes the pleasant towards the European champions presents the right likelihood to evaluate his crew earlier than a Women’s World Cup on dwelling soil towards a high-calibre opponent.
“As probably the greatest groups on the earth, it’s an opportunity for us to proceed to assemble essential data on our fashion, our play and what we might want to proceed evolving forward of July’s kick off,” Gustavsson stated.
The Socceroos’ fixture towards England comes 20 years after the Aussies’ well-known victory over the Three Lions during which Arnold was concerned with as an assistant to then-coach Frank Farina.
And Arnold can’t wait for an additional likelihood to check his tactical wit towards England boss Gareth Southgate as he seems to be to emulate the feat of the 2003 Socceroos.
“As an Australian footballer and coach, taking part in England at Wembley is one thing all footballers dream of,” Arnold stated.
“Not simply due to the event, however for the chance it presents to check ourselves towards one of many world’s most revered footballing nations.”