13 years since their last meeting on enemy soil, the Socceroos take on England as Roy Hodgson’s side prepares for a make or break international tournament.
Many Australian fans remember the night at Upton Park in 2003 with fond memories, with Australia notching up an impressive 3-1 victory. At the time it was the biggest result for a still developing football nation, and perhaps the final positive contest of the old regime. Now, Australia is expected to provide a warm-up for the Three Lions as they try to get the best practice possible for the upcoming Euro 2016.
EVENT: Socceroos vs England LIVE on the BIG SCREEN
What is in a friendly?
Most of these encounters start with a bit of spice, before petering out as coaches make use of the unlimited substitutions on offer. Chances are this will yield a similar result, as England’s first priority is to make sure they are in the best possible shape for the European Championships. Australia will want to make sure they can maintain bragging rights, but are operating with a severely limited squad. The English meanwhile will be experimenting with different combinations to find the best possible lineup. The second-half may see the intensity drop from both sides, as they focus on preservation rather than victory.
Next poster-boy for the @Socceroos?
— Daily Football Show (@DFS_AUS) May 26, 2016
Who is missing?
As the match falls outside of the designated FIFA window the Socceroos will be missing several important players, including Tim Cahill and Trent Sainsbury. As a silver-lining from all of this, Ange Postecoglu will get a chance to see what some fringe players will be able to do. Defender Milos Degenek from 1860 Munich has been brought into the side and may see some game time at the back, as only six specialists were named in the side. Another option anywhere along the left is former Adelaide flyer Craig Goodwin, who will still be high on confidence after winning the grand final earlier this month. Up front, Brisbane’s Jamie Maclaren, who has been touted as a future Socceroo for the last year finally gets his chance and if his form for the past season is anything to go by, he will be a real handful for the English defenders when he gets on the pitch.
Predicted Lineups
England XI: Hart, Betrand, Smalling, Cahill, Clyne; Wilshere, Drinkwater; Lallana, Rooney, Townsend; Rashford.
Socceroos XI: Ryan, Smith, Wright, Wilkinson, Risdon; Jedinak, Mooy; Rogic, Luongo, Kruse; Maclaren.
Player to Watch – Jamie Maclaren
As the search for a long term successor to Tim Cahill continues, this is an opportunity for Maclaren to show what he can do against some stiff competition. He will need to show-off a mix of pace and guile to get in the right position against the English and while he may only get half a game in this one, that might be all Postecoglu needs to make him a regular in the side.
Prediction
Early on the teams will go at it, but in the end England’s focus on tournament preparation will see them get over the line in this one.
England 2 Australia 1
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