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England and Australia to meet for first time since Women's World Cup

England and Australia's women's teams last met at the 2023 World Cup
England and Australia's women's teams last met at the 2023 World Cup ROBERT CIANFLONE / Getty Images via AFP

Australia have booked a historic clash with England's Lionesses at Pride Park in Derby for the October international window.

The Matildas last met England during the semi-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, during which 75,784 spectators packed out Sydney's Accor Stadium for a game that was won 3-1 by the visitors through strikes from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo

England, fourth in FIFA's world rankings, hold a 4-2 head-to-head record from the seven historical meetings between the two nations, and the eighth will take place on 28 October, three days after Australia take on Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.

England are the current European champions, having defeated Spain via a penalty shootout in late July. 

"Playing England in this October window is another key moment for the team as we continue to build toward the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026," said new Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro, who recently took over from Australian legend Tom Sermanni.

“England are one of the top teams in the world, and facing a team of their quality is a valuable opportunity for us to challenge ourselves.

This match will provide a tough test that will help us assess where the team and players are at and identify areas for growth."

“It is important that we use these international windows to push our limits, develop deeper connections within the group, and continue setting the standards that will define our performance moving forward.

The opportunity to play a quality side is important at this time in honing the team’s skills and the style of play we are trying to develop as a team.  It is also a great way to identify the players that are going to be crucial to our success at the AFC Women’s Asia Cup and beyond."