Thirteen years on from the Socceroos’ shock 3-1 victory over the English juggernauts, the men in gold will be looking to emulate the same result from that cold night at Upton Park.
A lot has changed for both nations since their last meeting. England have failed to reach a semi-final of any international tournament while football in Australia has been rejuvenated with the inception of the A-League and the national team claiming three consecutive World Cup births as well as an Asian Cup title in 2015.
Both nations have a lot to play for in this upcoming friendly. England are in the final stages of preparation for the European Championships while Australia are approaching the final phase of World Cup qualifications. The newly selected squad is looking to familiarise themselves with Ange Postecoglou’s playing style.
The Socceroos named multiple potential debutants in conjunction with an array of fairly established youngsters in their squad. Postecoglou made nine changes to the squad that defeated Jordan and Tajikistan with Milos Degenek, Brad Inman, Jamie Maclaren and Stefan Mauk receiving their first ever call-ups.
Inexperienced players including Craig Goodwin and Jackson Irvine have also been called up.
Postecoglou has a distinct vision with the upcoming fixtures. The youthful influence has indicated to the media and fans that he is willing to reward players that are continuously playing at the club level (his mantra since his appointment). He is also intent on selecting players that suit his playing style.
The most important facet of the fixture with England is in relation to how all the players involved will be able to step up to the challenge of a top ten nation. The Socceroos’ last result against a top-tier nation was a 2-2 draw against powerhouse Germany.
It will be interesting to determine Postecoglou’s mindset heading into the game. Undoubtedly he will be looking to grab another upset victory so all signs point to the form the players carry into the squad as well as their training performance in determining the starting XI.
Postecoglou will run a 4-3-3 with two speedy wingers ultimately coming up against the pace of the English backs. Mile Jedinak joined the squad late after his FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, however will most likely start as the holding midfielder. Mat Ryan will once again start in between the sticks. Other than that the other nine places will be up for grabs.
Starting line-up (4-3-3)
Mat Ryan
Josh Risdon, Bailey Wright, Milos Degenek, Brad Smith
Massimo Luongo, Mile Jedinak, Tom Rogic
Robbie Kruse, Tomi Juric, Chris Ikonomidis
The back line selected is very inexperienced, with just 18 caps between the four. The fullbacks will have to deal with the pace and strength of the English forwards and wingers, hence the inability to select Alex Wilkinson (the most capped defender).
With Jason Geria out due to Asian Champions League commitments, Josh Risdon will have another chance to stake his claim as the future right-back for Australia. Brad Smith’s flair and development since joining the camp has been out of sight. The left-back spot has become his and the challenge of coming up against EPL players will be one he is willing to relish.
The centre-backs will have the biggest challenge. The step up in class will be astonishing and will provide Postecoglou with evidence to whether Wright and Degenek will be able to survive in a high-stress situation.
The three central midfielders selected are hands down Australia’s three most creative and lethal combination. Rogic has been destructive in the Socceroos jersey. Extended time against world-class opponents will give him the opportunity to once again prove that he indeed is the future of Australia.
Luongo and Jedinak are stalwarts of the midfield. The versatility of Luongo and the composure of Jedinak are essential to Australia winning the battle in the middle of the pitch.
Furthermore, Luongo’s flexibility will allow Ikonomidis to move infield into his more favoured central role in addition to creating a freelance attack that Postecoglou has stressed over his tenure.
Australia’s front three are pacey and potent in attack. Six goals between the three for Australia isn’t an encouraging sign but the club form of all three players, specifically Tomi Juric, has been impressive.
Juric is slowly living up to his Viduka comparisons and a positive outing against the English defence will be essential to his improvement as an international player.
England, on the other hand, will have selection issues. Following their 2-1 defeat of Turkey, England’s performance was widely regarded as hard-fought yet not entirely convincing.
Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy were dangerous in attack with Spurs’ midfielder Dele Alli providing good service to the front two. The squad will look different with Manchester United players and Liverpool players being eligible for selection.
With the squad being condensed for the Euros this will be the last time fringe players will get a chance to make their final case to Roy Hodgson. It is more than likely that Hodgson will go for an experimental team with Chris Smalling, James Milner and Wayne Rooney being the only exceptions.
Line-up (4-4-2)
Fraser Forster
Nathaniel Clyne, Chris Smalling, John Stones, Ryan Bertrand
Adam Lallana, Wayne Rooney, Danny Drinkwater, Andros Townsend
Marcus Rashford, Daniel Sturridge
Andros Townsend and Danny Drinkwater are two bolters to be selected in the starting line-up due to their form with their club sides as well as the potential for Hodgson to experiment.
Drinkwater will be able to play second fiddle to Wayne Rooney with his defensive ability and short passing suiting Rooney’s potency. Townsend will have the opportunity to show his flexibility in midfield with his aptitude to play both sides. Going up against Risdon and Smith will give Hodgson a good indication of whether he is able to play internationally in the future.
Rashford’s stunning rise as a United striker should be rewarded with his first international cap at the tender age of 18. His solid performances this month warrant a debut and against an inexperienced backline, this will provide the best platform to launch his international career and potentially gain a spot in the Euro squad.
Overall, the clash between the old rivals will be interesting and a must watch. England will be the heavy favourites going into the match however Australia will possess a good fight.
Expect Rashford to have a sensational debut with the midfield providing lethal service all game.
Prediction: England 2-0 Australia
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