Ella Toone says Tuesday’s meeting with Australia at Pride Park will carry the heat of unfinished business, promising a clash that will taste of retribution for the Matildas and vindication for the Lionesses.
Semi-final scars and simmering stakes
When England beat Australia in the 2023 Women’s World Cup semi-final in Sydney, it left wounds that still sting.
That memory hangs over this friendly, turning a routine fixture into a fixture with an edge as Australia chase the redemption they were denied on home soil.
Toone sets the tone
Toone expects intensity and physicality as a consequence of that Sydney defeat. “We broke a lot of their hearts at the World Cup so it will feel like a revenge game,” she said, adding that England’s objective is simple: put on a big performance and get the win.
After Saturday’s 2-1 reverse to Brazil, Toone framed this match as an immediate chance to set things right and restore momentum.
Familiar foes, fresh challenges
Eleven Matildas play in the Women’s Super League, so many faces will be familiar. Toone says that inside knowledge gives England insight into individual strengths and weaknesses but insists it won’t change the basics: players will step onto the pitch and give everything.
Injuries have thinned England’s ranks with several key stars absent, but that has opened the door for fresh faces and tactical tweaks.
Wiegman’s perspective and squad update
Manager Sarina Wiegman played down nostalgia for the World Cup and emphasised progression on both sides.
She highlighted changes to each setup and the new challenges Australia bring under Joe Montemurro. Wiegman confirmed goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is close to a return and praised her shot-stopping and distribution as vital assets. West Ham’s Anouk Denton was added to the squad to bolster defensive cover.
Atmosphere and urgency
This match is part of England’s celebrated homecoming series and arrives in front of a sell-out crowd at Pride Park. Wiegman praised the support and said the team never takes full stadiums for granted.
For England the game is more than a friendly: it is a chance to sharpen physicality, answer critics after the Brazil defeat, and send a message to rivals that the Euro champions remain hungry and uncompromising.
