5 talking points as Lionesses' long unbeaten streak ended by Australia

11 April 2023 , 20:42

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Australia celebrate after their opening goal

England 's 30-game unbeaten run under Sarina Wiegman came to an end as they went down 2-0 to World Cup co-hosts Australia.

Goals either side of half-time from Sam Kerr and Charlie Grant proved the difference in the Alzheimer's Society International, with Lauren James and Rachel Daly missing England's best chances.

Fresh from winning the Finalissima, the Lionesses struggled to find their rhythm in a low-key affair at Brentford, a far cry from the drama we saw at Wembley last week. The Matildas, ranked 10th in the world, were missing Caitlin Foord through injury but welcomed back Sam Kerr.

And the Chelsea star capitalised on Leah Williamson's uncharacteristic error to give the visitors the lead just after the half hour mark. The England skipper tried to nod the ball back to Mary Earps, but Kerr intercepted for a simple finish.

Charlotte Grant then headed the Aussies 2-0 in front, after her effort took a heavy deflection via Williamson and from there the Lionesses were facing a first defeat in two years - and their solo loss since Wiegman took charge.

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Here are the big talking points from Brentford.

1. Rare Williamson error proves costly

Few England players have proved more reliable during Sarina Wiegman’s reign as manager than skipper Leah Williamson. But the Arsenal centre-half made a huge, albeit, rare error that proved costly just after the half hour mark.

With Sam Kerr lurking just behind her Williamson attempted to cushion a long ball back to Mary Earps with her head. Unfortunately for England her effort was short.

Kerr nipped in for one of the easiest goals she will score this season and Australia had the advantage.

Sam Kerr opens the scoring

2. Russo seems first choice number nine - despite drawing blank

For the third straight England game Alessia Russo was given a starting berth in the number nine role. This was perhaps the clearest indication yet that Wiegman sees her as first choice for the summer, with Rachel Daly again limited to a supporting role, despite her WSL goalscoring exploits this season.

Man Utd forward Russo had England's best chances of the first half, sliding across the near post in trademark fashion to force an early save from Mackenzie Arnold in the opening minutes. But she was often outnumbered by yellow shirts when trying to get on the ball.

We finally got to see Russo and Daly together in forward roles when the latter replaced Toone just after the hour, although she tucked in just behind the Man Utd striker. England carried a greater threat and Daly's introduction certainly livened up the crowd.

3. How will England react to first defeat under Wiegman?

When Charlie Grant headed home, via a heavy deflection off Leah Williamson the game and the Lionesses' unbeaten run was over. But in truth this may not be the worst result for England and Sarina Wiegman.

To go to the World Cup finals with the unbeaten run still intact would have given a false sense of security. Wiegman wanted tough tests against Brazil and Australia before the tournament, because she knew it would tell her a lot more about her team than more comfortable victories - there were enough of them in the Arnold Clark Cup.

Tonight's defeat will remind this group how losing is always painful. Now they need to find out how they react to real adversity. Wiegman needs to find out how best to correct a poor performance.

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The England team that started against Australia

Exactly 100 days out from the start of the Women's World Cup, this defeat could well prove a blessing in disguise for the European champions.

4. Kerr presents tough challenge to makeshift Lionesses back four

The return of Sam Kerr gave Australia a different dimension in attack, after their flat performance against Scotland. As one of the best forwards in the world, Kerr would obviously improve any team.

But she was particularly effective on a night like tonight, with the driving rain making the ball over the top often the best option. Kerr is always willing to chase lost causes, which proved vital with the opening goal.

Her physical presence gave England their toughest test in a long time and even when the Matildas spent more time in their own half after the break, she still provided a danger a counter-attack. Considering England were missing both Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood, they coped fairly well, with Esme Morgan giving a solid display as she was recalled to partner Williamson.

5. Tricky conditions could prove useful test

We may be close to the end of the season, but it was firmly winter weather at Brentford. Storm Antoni meant the rainfall was constant, with passes often skidding beyond their intended target.

It is something the Lionesses may have to contend with in Australia during the rainy season in what will be their winter. So it was good to practice trying to keep the ball for long spells in difficult conditions.

With the Matildas well organised, creating chances became a difficult task for the Lionesses - something we haven't said too often during Wiegman's reign as manager. For a side that likes playing technical football, tonight was a really difficult ask.

England may well need to better back-up plan if they are presented with heavy rainfall Down Under this summer.

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Jack Lacey-Hatton