England Women enter their final audition ahead of this summer’s World Cup against Australia at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium tonight. The Lionesses remain unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman’s masterful watch and her players are offered one last chance to impress before the summer.
In 100 days’ time, the World Cup begins and England play Haiti in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. Now, the Lionesses – fresh from beating Brazil in the Finalissima – play the hosts before attention turns to the biggest tournament in the game later this year.
The two countries could meet in the last-16 but Australia are coming off the back of a shock loss to Scotland. Another big performance from England would sent yet another statement from a team who cannot seem to stop making them. Follow the action with Standard Sport’s match blog! Dom Smith and Simon Collings will be providing expert analysis from the ground.
Live updates
Sarina Wiegman: Wembley feels like home for relentless Lionesses
Sarina Wiegman says Wembley “feels like home” after the Lionesses beat Brazil on penalties to win the inaugural edition of the Finalissima on Thursday night.
A sell-out crowd of 83,132 watched on as Ella Toone’s first-half goal was cancelled out at the death by a late leveller from Andressa, which took the match straight to penalties.
Mary Earps had made an error in the lead-up to Brazil’s equaliser but responded by saving Tamires’s penalty, helping England on their way to a 4-2 penalty shootout victory secured when Chloe Kelly converted the decisive spot-kick, sending England on their way to lift their fourth trophy of their Dutch manager’s tenure.
“Of course it feels like home,” Wiegman said about Wembley — where England won the Euros last summer by beating Germany in the final in extra-time.
“We have so many great memories here. It’s really enjoyable to play here. It’s a historic stadium too. We’ve played Northern Ireland, Germany and now Brazil. Those are the opponents you want to play against in an environment like this.”
Prediction: England to win 3-1
England continue to answer any questions asked of them under Wiegman, even on the rare occasions when they have come under pressure and been forced to respond.
Kerr will ensure Australia offer a real threat up front, but the Lionesses have the quality and the confidence to keep the winning feeling going.
England to win, 3-1.
Australia team news: Sam Kerr to feature
Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy remain out for Australia, but Sam Kerr will almost certainly come back into the starting lineup.
The Chelsea striker was rested in the defeat to Scotland and her return will be a huge boost for the Matildas as she looks to add to her tally of 62 international goals.
England team news: Alex Greenwood ruled out
Alex Greenwood will miss the match for England, pulling out of the squad after she hit her head on the ground against the USA. She stayed on the pitch at Wembley and scored her penalty in the shootout. Sandy MacIver is also unavailable.
With Millie Bright not in the squad, Lotte Wubben-Moy an option to parter Arsenal team-mate Leah Williamson at the back.
Where to watch England vs Australia
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on free-to-air TV in the UK on ITV4, with coverage starting at 7pm ahead of a 7.45pm kick-off.
Live stream: ITVX will offer a live stream on mobile devices, laptops, games consoles and more.
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of England’s friendly against Australia tonight.
Kick-off from Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium is at 7.45pm BST.
