The Matildas have been trounced 3-0 by England after being reduced to 10 players early in Wednesday morning’s international friendly.
Alanna Kennedy was dismissed after 20 minutes, having been adjudged to have brought down Alessia Russo, and the subsequent free kick eventually resulted in England’s first of two opening-half goals.
The loss of Kennedy, who has 178 international caps across 14 years, immediately put the visitors on the back foot in enemy territory, and the Lionesses had their second of the evening through Lucy Bronze at the 40-minute mark.
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England recorded 18 shots to Australia’s two and had 73 per cent of possession in the first half in a telling indication of which side had the ascendancy at Pride Park in Derby.
The back-to-back European champions continued to threaten in the second half, while the visiting Australians weren’t anywhere near as dangerous in the forward half and, holistically, were uninspiring.
A lot of poor passing saw the vast majority of Australia’s forward forays thwarted before becoming somewhat threatening to the hosts.
England had its third at the 97-minute mark in what was the final act of the match, with VAR determining Katrina Gorry had clipped Missy Bo Kearns, as Georgia Stanway converted from the spot.
‘Kerr is still the captain’ | 01:53
Meanwhile, Matildas finisher Sam Kerr, still building back to full fitness, was substituted out after 69 minutes of action. She returned as captain of the side despite controversy surrounding racial vilification charges, which were dismissed, relating to a clash with English police.
Special comments analyst Andy Harper said it was “real promise” for Australia that Kerr was able to get through a substantial playing block.
Kerr returned to the pitch against Wales last Saturday after 725 days out due to an ACL injury.
Manager Joe Montemurro had made five changes to the side that beat the Welsh. Mackenzie Arnold returned in goals, while Kennedy, Steph Catley, Amy Sayer and Ellie Carpenter were all named starters.