International Friendly: England vs Australia, But Make it Football Not Cricket

England vs Australia

Many battles have raged between England and Australia over the past century and a half. It’s a ferocious rivalry, and the two nations fought out a 2-2 draw in the Ashes just this summer.

And they are getting it on again on Friday. But this time, the hosts will be hot, hot favourites because this International Friendly is a footy match, although it’s not cricket (though I love it).

And while there is little to choose between the nations when they battle it out in the summer game, there is a world separating them when they play football. The FIFA world rankings place the Three Lions as the fifth-best side on the planet, 37 places above the Aussies in 42^nd. 

The International Friendly 2023 betting odds pre-match reckon it’s pretty much a done deal, and the hosts are supremely confident. But the Aussies love their sport and hate losing whatever the game.  

Talking Points

Can England take the next step?

The Three Lions are preparing for a blockbuster Euro 2024 clash against reigning champions Italy next Tuesday when they have a chance to book their place at the finals in Germany if Ukraine fail to win their game against North Macedonia on Saturday.

So qualification is almost in the bag, and manager Gareth Southgate will soon find himself in another high-pressure situation. This is the most talented and deep England squad in more than a generation, and they had a golden chance to win Euro 2020, but they were bullied by Italy in the final.

And then at the World Cup in Qatar, as soon as they came up against France, the Three Lions bowed out again.  

Jude Bellingham has had an incredible start to his Real Madrid career. He could be the man who gives England the x-factor over the next few years, and Southgate will be hoping the midfielder can make the difference in Germany.

The Los Blancos’ midfielder is certainly determined, saying that his objective over the next 12 months is to win tournaments, in domestic and international football.

“My goal for the England team will be the same for the next 10-15 years,” he said, “to try to win tournaments.”  

“I think we can’t shy away from saying that now. We’ve come close lose in the last few tournaments and to say, ‘that was enjoyable but we have to be realistic’…I don’t see the point.”

A player who doesn’t see the point in losing is exactly what England need.

Australia looking ahead

The Socceroos did enjoy themselves in Qatar, defying all the odds to reach the Round of 16 for the first time since 2006, only to be beaten by eventual champions Argentina.

But Graham Arnold’s team are having a poor run of International Friendly 2023 results, winning just one of their four exhibitions in 2023. 

However, this is no time to panic. With the 2026 World Cup increasing from 32 to 48 teams, the Asian Football Confederation will have eight places so the Socceroos will be confident of qualifying for a sixth successive World Cup finals.

The squad is captained by the 31-year-old keeper Mathew Ryan, though there may be some game time for Middlesbrough stopper Tom Glover, who has been called up for the first time.

And Glover’s Boro teammate Samuel Silvera could be in line for a start after making his debut against Mexico last year.  

England fans will also recognise giant Leicester City centre-back Harry Souttar, who caught the eye in Qatar, and he will be looking forward to a tussle with England striker Harry Kane.   

History 

England and Australia have each won one of their two previous meetings. The Aussies won 3-1 in 2003, but England beat them in 2016 with goals from Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford in a 2-1 victory.

There is not a lot we can learn from the historic head-to-heads, but the visitors have enjoyed some recent success against quality European sides, beating Denmark at the 2022 World Cup group stage, and they have won their last two friendlies against the Czech Republic and Hungary, scoring six goals in the process.  

In terms of recent form, England have won five and drawn one of their last six games, while Australia have won two, drawn one, and lost three. 

Betting Tip

Australia are priced at 11.08 to win with England at SBOTOP odds of 1.18, and the draw is at 5.60.

While the Socceroos thrived in Qatar and have nothing to lose in this game, England too will play with freedom, and the gulf in class should tell.The Three Lions players will all be keen to impress Southgate in advance of the Italy clash. Bellingham is a shoo-in, but there are other places up for grabs.

 

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