CommBank Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter said that the upcoming games against Wales and England are a great test for the group ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2026™.
She was speaking to media from Cardiff as the team continues their preparations for the October window.
“It's nice to be back together,” she expressed.
“We've already had two sessions, which is rare for us to have more sessions before our first game. It’s been great to get the core group back for those two sessions.
“[Head Coach Joe Montemurro] implemented in Perth what his style of play is, how he wants us to execute that on the pitch. In these next few games, we can really show what he wants us to do - possession-based football, keeping the ball, exciting football as well.
“We’re excited to showcase that in these two games against quality opposition, Wales and England. I think it's a great test for us, especially leading into the Asian Cup.”
She said the stability in both the squad and coaching staff has been very welcome for the team.
“We hadn't had a [permanent] coach for over a year, so we just really wanted to have that stability,” she explained.
“We wanted to know how our coach was going to be. As soon as Joe came in July, we hit the ground running with him. We know what he's about. We know how he wants us to play.
“It doesn't feel like we've had him for only two months. It feels like he's been here longer. I think that's a really good thing, especially leading into the Asian Cup next year.
“We’re all playing at clubs over in Europe, and also some in Australia. So I think we're preparing well. We know what we need to do, and when we come in here, it's all business.”
Carpenter moved to Women’s Super League club Chelsea in the offseason after spending five seasons in Lyon.
Still only 25 years of age, she said that the move has expanded her game and was the perfect challenge for this stage of her career.
“The move to Chelsea was the best thing for my football career,” she said.
“I can already see my game improving in small parts. Every game is hard, and the training environment also is intense – I’m fighting for my position on the field to start. It’s a great challenge for me and my career where I'm at.
“Being at Lyon for five years, it was amazing for my career. I had developed so much as a player on the field, also off the field - but I wanted to be out of my comfort zone again.
“I want to take my game just that little bit more to the next level. Being in the environment [at Chelsea], it will really push me.”
She hoped that the upcoming games against Wales and England would help build chemistry in the team as they prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.
“[We are working on] chemistry within the team, and building on those foundations that we want to bring into the Asian Cup,” she revealed.
“Wales is a tough opposition. They just competed at the Euros. And obviously, we all know England, fresh coming off that Euros win. So two tough games.
“We want to see us playing good football and converting chances. Our style of play now, keeping the ball going forward, but being patient with it - you'll see that in the next two games.
“Also, seeing who fits with each other, relationships on the field, and what combinations work well - Joe needs to look at that. So, we're looking forward to these two games.”
COMMBANK MATILDAS | MATCH DETAILS
Wales v CommBank Matildas
Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025 / Sunday, 26 October 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm BST (Local) / 12:00am AEDT
Venue: Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales
Broadcast: Paramount+
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England v CommBank Matildas
Date: Tuesday, 28 October 2025 / Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Kick-off: 7:00pm BST (Local) / 6:00am AEDT
Venue: Pride Park Stadium, Derby, England
Broadcast: Paramount+
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