Australia will commence the April FIFA Women’s International Window against Scotland this Friday, taking on the FIFA-ranked 23rd side for the first time since 2015.
As the build-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™ gathers steam, Australia will host Scotland at Cherry Red Records Stadium, the home of AFC Wimbledon, playing the side for the first time since 2015.
Squad News
CommBank Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson talked in the pre-match press conference about the squad rotation for the first game of the April FIFA International Window.
“Everything we do in these games is to get answers, and prepare for the World Cup,” Gustavsson said.
“Yes, every time we step onto the field we try to perform to our maximum, and I don’t want to say it’s not important to perform well, but we need to do that with the mindset of preparing for that World Cup.
“In that sense, when we look at player availability there’s been some load management in this camp that we need to make sure we handle with respect, because we need to look at the bigger picture which is the World Cup.”
Amy Sayer and Matilda McNamara have been called up to the CommBank Matildas squad for the two-game series, replacing injured Caitlin Foord and Alanna Kennedy.
This upcoming camp will see the return of two familiar faces, with the team welcoming back defender Ellie Carpenter and forward Holly McNamara from long-term injuries sustained in 2022.
Both players suffered ACL injuries last year, and make their return to the green and gold for the upcoming international window, looking to get their first minutes for their country in close to a year.
Our Opponent
Pedro Martínez Losa's side has seen a mix-up in his squad since their qualifying campaign for the FIFA Women’s World Cup™, some due to injury and others due to player retirement.
On the injured front, Sam Kerr's Chelsea teammate, and 58-capped midfielder Erin Cuthbert has been sidelined due to an injury sustained with the Blues.
Skipper Rachel Corsie is also missing from Losa's squad, with Scotland's captain also sustaining an injury at clubland that ruled her out of representing her country. Corsie brings a wealth of experience to the backline, with 140 appearances for Scotland. While, Jen Beattie, a fellow defender, announced her retirement from international football earlier this year.
Despite key players out injured the side can rely on Scotland's Player of the Year, Sam Kerr, to hold down the midfield in the absence of Cuthbert. Caroline Weir will be another player to keep an eye on in the match, the skilled midfielder showcasing her skill for her national team and not afraid to shoot from anywhere.
Claire Emsile will be a familiar face for A-League Women's fans, helping Melbourne City to the Premiership and Championship double in the 2019-20 season alongside four of Australia's players named in the squad.
See the Scotland squad
For all the latest news and information regarding the two-games series, stay updated via the official CommBank Matildas website.
CommBank Matildas v Scotland
Date: Fri, 7 April 2023
Venue: Cherry Red Records Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 1.15 pm (local) / 10.15 pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Tickets are available from here