The Socceroos and Matildas are set to face England in a bumper double set of friendlies later this year.
The Matildas will take on the Lionesses, who are also the reigning European champions at the Gtech Community Stadium in Brentford on April 11 as Tony Gustavsson’s side ramp up their Women’s World Cup preparation.
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The Socceroos will then make their debut at the iconic Wembley Stadium on October 13 in 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 in the fixtures against the old enemy and noted the recent “resurgence” of Aussies making their mark in England, with Harry Souttar recently becoming the sole presence in the Premier League.
“Australian football has always enjoyed a strong bond with football in the United Kingdom,” Johnson said.
“Historically, we had a prominent presence of male players throughout the English Premier League and the English Championship.
“This was followed by a very lean period but today, we have seen a resurgence of Australian footballers, both men and women, plying their trade in leagues across the United Kingdom.”
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Johnson added that the fixtures are a clear “sign of the drawing power of our national teams.”
Gustavsson believes the friendly against the European champions presents the perfect chance to assess his team before a Women’s World Cup on home soil against a high-calibre opponent.
“As one of the best teams in the world, it’s a chance for us to continue to gather crucial information on our style, our play and what we will need to continue evolving ahead of July’s kick off,” Gustavsson said.
The Socceroos’ fixture against England comes 20 years after the Aussies’ famous victory over the Three Lions in which Arnold was involved with as an assistant to then-coach Frank Farina.
And Arnold cannot wait for another chance to test his tactical wit against England boss Gareth Southgate as he looks to emulate the feat of the 2003 Socceroos.
“As an Australian footballer and coach, playing England at Wembley is something all footballers dream of,” Arnold said.
“Not just because of the occasion, but for the opportunity it presents to test ourselves against one of the world’s most revered footballing nations.”
