Match Preview: Australia vs England | FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™

Australia takes on England in their semi-final clash tonight at Stadium Australia, looking to advance to the FIFA Women's World Cup Final on Sunday against Spain.

The game at Stadium Australia will see the CommBank Matildas face England, with both sides looking to advance to the final against Spain in Sydney on Sunday. 

How to watch the game! Can't make it to the game? Check out our Ultimate Live Site Guide.  

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Squad News

Tony Gustavsson talked about his side heading into the semi-final clash, “When it comes to the line-up we’ll have a discussion tonight again about minutes,” Gustavsson said. “I think consistency and chemistry are key for any team that wants to be successful in tournaments.

“I have some tough decisions to make tonight – I have a lot of player availability. What we’ll do is look at always trying to start as strong as possible but finish even stronger. Meaning what kind of starting line-up do we want to have, but also what kind of finishing XI do we want to have – what kind of tool, game-changer, do we think we need in a game like this? Type of players – whether it’s speed or aerial presence or closing out a game.

“There’ll be some long conversations tonight and some tough decisions to be made. A lot of players deserve to start, but a lot of players also deserve to finish the game and win it for us.”

Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, Mackenzie Arnold
Defenders: Courtney Nevin, Aivi Luik, Clare Polkinghorne, Steph Catley, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter, Charlotte Grant
Midfielders/Forwards: Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Emily van Egmond, Mary Fowler, Tameka Yallop, Hayley Raso, Kyah Simon, Katrina Gorry, Sam Kerr, Kyra Cooney-Cross

Our Opponent

England has had a perfect run so far in the tournament, kicking off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti thanks to a Georgia Stanway penalty.

Their next result would see them beat Denmark, with a first-half strike from Lauren James the difference between the two sides. A 6-1 win over China PR in their final group stage game saw the side take top spot in their group and advance to the knockout stages. 

Alessia Russo of England celebrates after scoring her team's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Colombia at Stadium Australia on August 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Alessia Russo of England celebrates after scoring her team's second goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Colombia at Stadium Australia on August 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Lionesses were pushed all the way in their Round of 16 clash against Nigeria, forced to go to penalties after no side could find the back of the net in the encounter.

The side then travelled to Sydney to face Colombia in the quarter-finals, after going behind the side clawed back a goal through Lauren Hemp to send things into the break locked at 1-1. Alessia Russo scored the matchwinner to send England into the semi-finals. 

Goalkeepers:  Mary Earps, Ellie Roebuck, Hannah Hampton
Defenders: Lotte Wubben-Moy, Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan
Midfielders: Laura Coombs, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem​​​​​​​
Forwards: Rachel Daly, Beth England, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Katie Robinson, Alessia Russo

For all the latest news and information regarding our FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, stay updated via the official CommBank Matildas website.

FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ - Semi-Finals

Australia v England
Date: Wednesday, 16 August 2023
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Kick-Off: 8:00 pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Optus Sport and Channel 7 
How to Watch