SYDNEY (3 Sept 2018) – The Matildas’ line-up of international friendly matches continues to grow with confirmation that Alen Stajcic’s team will play England in London on October 9.
Australia’s friendly match against the Phil Neville coached Lionesses at Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham FC, will occur just four days after the Matildas take on France’s senior women’s national football team in Saint-Etienne.
Moreover, the high-profile friendly fixture comes just a month before the team will return to home soil to take on Chile in the two-match “Seven Consulting International Series” at Panthers Stadium, Penrith (November 10) and McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle (November 13), which was announced earlier on Tuesday.
Stajcic said his side’s friendlies against France and England will offer the players selected with a fantastic opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best.
“It is very exciting to play the world’s number three (France) and four (England) ranked teams,” said Stajcic. “England, having made the semi-finals in the last FIFA Women’s World Cup have continued to improve, and under new coach Phil Neville have transformed their playing style while going through undefeated in World Cup qualifying.”
“Australia has a great rivalry with England in sport and I hope this match continues to evoke that same passion and engagement that we’ve seen in so many other codes over the years,” he concluded..
Neville said: “After the euphoria of securing qualification to the World Cup last Friday, we can now focus on a solid nine-month preparation period and these friendlies will form an important part of those plans.
“It’s been an incredible year for the Lionesses, but the hard work has only just started. The next nine months will be crucial and it begins with these friendlies. We’re all looking forward to testing ourselves against challenging opposition and I’m sure our fans will come out in good numbers to show their support.” – www.the-afc.com
