The Lionesses 30-match unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of Australia on Tuesday night ahead of the Women’s World Cup
The Matildas took advantage of defensive mistakes made by the Lionesses on a disappointing night at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. In the early stages, England attempted to utilize their possession, with Alessia Russo being the first to test West Ham’s Mackenzie Arnold with a shot.
Lauren Hemp caused problems for the Australian defense and provided dangerous crosses for Alessia Russo before she was substituted due to injury early in the game.
Australia scored the first goal just after the half-hour mark when a long ball over the top seemed like it would be handled by Leah Williamson, but her header back to Mary Earps was intercepted by Sam Kerr. Kerr then managed to dink the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
England attempted to quickly equalize after conceding to Australia, with Russo providing a cross for Toone, whose shot was deflected out for a corner.
Rachel Daly was brought in by Sarina Wiegman to replace Ella Toone just after halftime as England persisted with their attempts to equalize, but unfortunately, Australia managed to increase their lead.
Sam Kerr crossed the ball to the back post, and Katrina Gorry headed it on, but the ball hit Leah Williamson and went into the goal past Mary Earps.
Australia registered a significant victory ahead of their home World Cup as they held on to beat England, who showed their weaknesses for the first time in a 30-match unbeaten run.
Williamson positive about Lionesses loss
Leah Williamson does not view the result as a setback, telling ITV Sport: “Absolutely not a setback. Sometimes you have to take blessings in disguise and I think maybe that’s not the worst thing that could’ve happened to us.
“We wanted to learn this whole time, we wanted to be pushed to our limits and we need to take it up a new level. In the past we won those games, we turned them around but actually, tonight to lose it gives you a bit of fire.”
“We were lacking ideas on the ball, definitely could be better and we got punished. Obviously my mistake for the first goal and they were pretty ruthless on the counter. I think we could’ve had a little bit more about us tonight.
“I thought we nullified the threat [of Kerr] pretty well as a collective and a back four. Obviously, I gifted her that goal. The top teams you expect to play against the best players and when they’re on form, they punish you and that’s what happened to us tonight.”
