Stunning Australia win over England shows Matildas’ strength

LONDON — In manager Sarina Wiegman’s 31st game in charge of England, the Lionesses suffered their first defeat of her tenure after the Matildas scored a goal in each half on a rainy Tuesday in West London. The 2-0 loss to Australia also marked the first time England had conceded more than a single goal under Wiegman.

The Matildas went a goal to the good when Aussie striker Sam Kerr chased down a weak header from England captain Leah Williamson, with Kerr nipping in ahead of goalkeeper Mary Earps to chip the onrushing goalkeeper. Williamson was involved again after the break, this time diverting a thumping header from Matildas defender Charlotte Grant the wrong side of Earps.

Tuesday’s match fell on the 100-day mark before the 2023 Women’s World Cup begins in Australia and New Zealand.

Rapid reaction

1. With Matildas’ confidence boost, are they now World Cup favourites?

With the Matildas co-hosting the 2023 World Cup, all eyes will be on the team to put on a show at home and live up to the potential they’ve been teasing for the last few tournaments.

The loss the Matildas suffered days ago to Scotland could have put a dampener on their trip to London, but beating the reigning Euro champions, England, on their opponents’ home soil will be nothing but confidence boosting for Australia ahead of a landmark summer. Australia put an end to England’s 30-game unbeaten run, and shut out a Lionesses side that has averaged a stunning 4.6 goals since Wiegman took over.

For Matildas manager Tony Gustavsson and his players, there is still plenty of work to be done, and ongoing injury worries weren’t helped by the visitors losing utility woman Tameka Yallop during the first half and attacker Courtnee Vine in the second.

Yet in beating England, especially with key personnel out, the Matildas have shown they…