The English national team successfully completed their dress rehearsal for the rematch of the European Championship final on Tuesday. Outsiders Australia, however, also left Wembley trembling
The full focus in England is on Tuesday’s match, when European champions Italy are guests at Wembley. Gareth Southgate’s starting line-up made that clear. On Friday night, key players such as captain Kane, Bellingham and Rice were only on the bench for 90 minutes.
And in the first half, Australia played quite boldly, with Metcalfe and Irvine, two professionals from FC St. Pauli, playing their part. The Socceroos had a visual advantage and sought their salvation in the offensive – but in the end none of the total of 14 shots on goal by the underdogs (England had only 9) found their way into the goal.
Kane’s Watkins almost gave the favourites the lead on 29 minutes, but after a fine pass from Maddison, the Aston Villa striker put the ball just wide of the right post, having already rounded keeper Ryan. Shortly after the break, however, it was Watkins who scored the golden goal of the evening. After a free-kick by England, Australia’s defence was disorganised, Grealish took a shot from an acute angle and Watkins straddled the ball at the second post (57th minute).
Only O’Grady outscored Watkins
It was a special goal for the 27-year-old, who last played an international match for England 563 days ago. He had also scored in the 3-0 win over Ivory Coast at the end of March 2022. Only Mike O’Grady can boast a longer gap between two goals in consecutive international matches, with as many as 2335 days between his goals in 1962 and 1969.
As the hour mark dawned, the big exchanges began on both sides. The flow was broken, Australia’s compelling actions lacking. However, the visitors almost equalised after a resting ball – and Metcalfe, a Hamburg player, actually had the equaliser on his head. After a corner by Boyle, the 23-year-old headed the ball against the right post (80th).
While England will now face Italy, Australia will test against New Zealand next Tuesday – in London’s Brentford district.
