Football Results: England Women 0-2 Australia Women

England commanded possession early on in a match that commemorated 100 days to the start of the World Cup, but some brilliant play from Mackenzie Arnold – which she exhibited throughout – held the hosts at bay. Australia was dangerous on the break, particularly with Chelsea attacker Kerr in their ranks. The Lionesses had their finest chance of the half just before the half-hour mark. Alessia Russo’s acrobatic effort narrowly missed the target after Chloe Kelly sent a wonderful pass into the area.

Australia quickly followed suit. Williamson misjudged her headed clearance with Kerr lurking, allowing the Matilda skipper to race through on goal and slot beyond Earps. Despite the fact that replays revealed she was offside, there was no VAR on the pitch to evaluate it. Kerr blasted an effort just wide before getting blocked out of a possible opportunity at the post for the visitors early in the second half. Clare Hunt nearly cut a Lauren James cross into her own net at the other end, but it went wide.

England had a brief stretch of half-chances but was quickly undone by careless play as Australia extended their advantage. Grant met a wonderful Kerr ball to the back post, and her header deflected off Williamson and into the net. Soon after, the Lionesses had a chance to equalize, but substitute Rachel Daly nodded wide. Stanway and Kelly both hit wide, but England did not have enough to keep their unblemished record intact.

“I’m not concerned. I don’t get worried easily. We understand that we must perform at our peak at all times, including during the World Cup,” England Women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman said. “We have some warnings in every game, including the Finalissima versus Brazil. We know where we’re going and what we need to do. I don’t believe we’re losing steam; rather, I believe it’s increasing. There are 100 days till the games, and everyone is quite thrilled to go to Australia. This is just a huge learning opportunity for us, as we need to reach a better level to win these events.”

This England team came into this game with an aura of invincibility, which is to be anticipated following a 30-match unbeaten record. Any national team coach would tell you that England, led by Sarina Wiegman, is the side to beat this summer. But, ineffective in attack and scattered at the back, England was just terrible against an Australian side missing over 500 caps.

Senior players like Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze struggled to deal with a World Class opponent in Sam Kerr, while young Esme Morgan faced the difficulties that come with a difficult game. Chloe Kelly was reserved, Ella Toone was unable to find space, and England’s build-up play was predictable and unproductive. There’s no need to panic; Germany, another World Cup contender, also lost on Tuesday. When competing against the greatest, though, improvement is required.

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