CommBank Matildas defender Steph Catley spoke following Australia's defeat to the reigning European Champions, England, about the valuable experience taking on top opposition ahead of next year's AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
Catley spoke following the defeat to England, with the defender starting against the European Champions in Derby.
"I think going down to 10 so early always kind of changes the way the game looks. But I think early on, we probably weren't confident enough to play out the way that we wanted to play out, and the details weren't quite there. But yeah, I suppose it's hard when you can't really settle into a game."
"They (England) started with a lot of energy, but the fight was there, I think we held them at 2-0 for a long, long time. There were some big, big performances and outputs. You've got to take what you can out of games like this."
"They're a top, top opposition. Holding them to two goals for as long as we did was quite an effort, but obviously disappointing not to come away with more."
The games were a valuable test ahead of next year's AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on home soil, gaining experience against top opposition.
"Definitely going to the Asian Cup. We've picked up a few things from tonight that we'll have a look at as well."
A proud Aussie contingent showed up for the games, with green and gold sprinkled around the stadium to cheer the away side on against the European Champions.
"It's amazing. I think wherever we play in the world, we have a good sprinkling of Aussie supporters that come out to see us, and they're always loud, and we can always hear them."
"In moments like this, when times are times are tough, and you're defending a lot and you're under the pump, having an Aussie in the crowd screaming for you is always really helpful."
Australia will return home for their final games of the year when they host Trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, in Gosford and Adelaide to wrap up the year.
"I think just being home in front of our fans will be really good. It feels like it's been a long time for me; at least I wasn't at the last home camp. So I love playing on home soil."
"I love playing in front of a packed-out Aussie stadium. Just feeling the energy from that and kind of getting our brains ready for the Asian Cup and what that will look like. Hopefully starting to implement a lot of you know what we've been working on, because I think we didn't really get to showcase that too much today."
COMMBANK MATILDAS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025 | MATCH SCHEDULE
CommBank Matildas v New Zealand
Date: Friday, 28 November 2025
Kick-off: 7.30pm AEDT
Venue: polytec Stadium, Gosford
Broadcast: Paramount+
Tickets: Buy Tickets
CommBank Matildas v New Zealand
Date: Tuesday, 2 December 2025
Kick-off: 8pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Buy Tickets