Ashes revenge or a famous Socceroos win? – England v Australia talking points

By Sports Desk October 12, 2023

England host Australia in a sold-out friendly at Wembley on Friday evening.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at five of the main talking points ahead of the international encounter.

Some Ashes revenge for England?

There is a long sporting rivalry between these countries and revenge would be sweet after an epic Ashes summer ended with the urn returning Down Under. Jonny Bairstow’s controversial stumping by Alex Carey particularly stuck in the craw during a dramatic 2-2 series draw that saw emotions run high. England have the chance to exact a slither of revenge under the arch on Friday, when Gareth Southgate expects the sporting rivalry to “add an extra edge” to the occasion.

…or will there be a famous second Socceroos win?

This will be the first time these nations have met at Wembley, with the only previous two encounters on English soil played at the Stadium of Light and Upton Park. Wayne Rooney made his debut in the latter friendly in February 2003, but it was Australia that won 3-1 on the night. It is the only time England have lost in seven meetings with the Socceroos and Graham Arnold’s side, ranked 27th in the world, would love nothing more than to repeat the feat on Friday.

A chance to experiment for Southgate

Last month’s friendly against Scotland ended a run of 16 successive competitive matches for England, covering last year’s Nations League campaign, the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 qualification. Southgate said before the game that over-experimenting at Hampden Park would be “ridiculous” but still managed to try a few things as his side ran out 3-1 victors. Lewis Dunk made his second international start – five years after his first – in central defence alongside Marc Guehi, while Aaron Ramsdale got the nod in goal. Southgate will be tempted to look at several areas of the squad again this time, including uncapped Levi Colwill at left-back, returning Jarrod Bowen in attack and Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield.

Can Watkins or Nketiah stake claim to be Kane deputy?

Harry Kane’s goalscoring feats are as impressive as they are well documented. Already the highest scoring man in England’s history, he will match Sir Bobby Charlton’s 23-goal international haul at Wembley if he scores against Australia. But Southgate may well be tempted to try a different striker given their inability to find a reliable back-up to the Bayern Munich player. Callum Wilson fulfilled the role in Qatar but is injured this time around, with in-form Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins receiving his first call-up since March 2022. Uncapped Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, England Under-21s’ all-time top scorer, is another man looking to push his claim to be Kane’s deputy ahead of the Euros.

Israel-Palestine victims to be remembered

Black armbands will be worn and a period of silence observed before Friday’s friendly to remember the innocent victims of the conflict in Israel and Palestine. The Football Association has confirmed its plans to pay tribute, having come under pressure to illuminate the Wembley arch in the colours of the Israeli flag following attacks by Hamas militants over the weekend which were followed by Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Flags, replica kits and other representations of nationality not linked to England or Australia will not be permitted inside Wembley.

Related items

  • Marsch appointed Canada's new head coach Marsch appointed Canada's new head coach

    Jesse Marsch has been named the new head coach of the Canada national team with immediate effect.

    The former Leeds United boss, who has been out of work since his departure from Elland Road 15 months ago, has signed a deal to take charge of the Maple Leafs until July 2026.

    Marsch fills the vacancy held by Mauro Biello on an interim basis following John Herdman's departure to MLS side Toronto FC last October.

    And the 50-year-old is excited to get down to work with the 2026 World Cup co-hosts.

    "The combination of the new leadership inside of Canada Soccer coupled with the potential of this dynamic player pool has inspired me," he said.

    "I am ready and eager to take on this massive responsibility. My excitement and anticipation to get started are immense.

    "It is an absolute honour to represent and lead the Canadian men's national team in our preparation for a home World Cup.

    "One of my main goals will be to help unite the soccer community in Canada to support our efforts to be successful on and off the pitch.

    Marsch will begin his tenure with friendlies against the Netherlands and France next month ahead of Canada's Copa America campaign, which launches against Argentina on June 21.

    Kevin Blue, Canada’s soccer’s chief executive officer and general secretary, added: "Jesse is a transformational leader who will drive progress for our men's national team – and for Canadian soccer more broadly – as we enter the most important time in the domestic history of our sport.

    "He's been a successful manager at the highest levels of global football, and is an experienced builder who will make a significant impact on the landscape of our sport."

  • Vilahamn wants to use FA Cup final defeat as 'beginning' for Tottenham Women Vilahamn wants to use FA Cup final defeat as 'beginning' for Tottenham Women

    Tottenham Women manager Robert Vilahamn believes his side will use their FA Cup final defeat to start something special, rather than ending their good work.

    Spurs were hammered 4-0 by Manchester United Women in Sunday's Wembley Stadium showpiece as Ella Toone and Rachel Williams were on target before Lucia Garcia's second-half double.

    Vilahamn's side failed to manage a shot on target but the Spurs boss suggested his team will catch up to the women's elite clubs.

    "The main thing I said was this is not the end, it is the beginning," Vilahamn said.

    "We still have a gap between us and the top teams but that's normal. We are closing the gap but we haven't closed the gap yet."

    Tottenham finished sixth in the Women's Super League as well as reaching this final, their first FA Cup showpiece appearance in their short history.

    Vilahamn wants his Spurs players to use this defeat as motivation going forward.

    "If you take away the feelings right now, you need to look at these players doing some incredible things this year," he said.

    "We are at Wembley playing in front of our fans and they are actually enjoying it and staying, and supporting us after.

    "We got a good experience today and we are learning how to play at Wembley more times. We need to look at it that way because the players are amazing."

  • Erik ten Hag: Man United fans are understanding of situation Erik ten Hag: Man United fans are understanding of situation

    Erik ten Hag is confident he still has the understanding of supporters after Manchester United's poor run of form continued with defeat to Arsenal.

    United were beaten 1-0 by Premier League title chasers Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday in a game that saw them create little.

    While United did well to restrict Arsenal's chances, they had just two shots on target themselves - long-rangers from Casemiro and Antony.

    The Red Devils have had to contend with a number of injury problems this season, not least against Arsenal with a makeshift defence fielded.

    And for that reason, Ten Hag - whose job beyond this season has been called into question - believes the fanbase remain supportive.

    "They understand where we are and where this club is," he told Sky Sports. "We have so many injuries in key areas.

    "The fans don't get what they deserve, but they understand this and that is why they are behind the team.

    "I think that is why they are with us we are united. Hopefully we can pay them back in the future."

    Ten Hag pointed out that United were without seven possible starters, forcing him to field veteran Jonny Evans alongside Casemiro at centre-back.

    Casemiro was at fault for Arsenal's goal as he was slow getting back up the field, meaning Havertz was onside before teeing up Trossard.

    Ten Hag, though, was not willing to point the finger of blame at the underperforming midfielder.

    "In that situation he is a midfielder playing in that position and making a small mistake, but it has hard consequences," he said.

    "Before that, in possession we could have done better in others positions. It's details."

    Eighth-placed United have won just one of their past eight league matches in a run that includes a 4-0 thumping at Crystal Palace earlier in the week.

    The Red Devils have lost 19 games in all competitions this season, which is their most since 1977-78 when also losing 19.

    Asked if he believes he is the man to turn things around, Ten Hag said: "I have no doubt about this.

    "Mostly, this team has the right spirit and they execute the rules and principles of the game even if they have to adapt in their positions.

    "I can only be happy and it is a big compliment for this team that they executed all that they could and they were fighting."

© 2023 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.