Although the vast gap in star power was evident, the Socceroos did not take a backwards step against England as the hosts edged out a narrow 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium.
An Ollie Watkins goal was all that separated the two nations, but Graham Arnold’s side could feel hard done by to not take anything away from the contest.
Despite the defeat, there was a lot to love about the Socceroos’ performance as they stood up against yet another global powerhouse while a tactical tweak could prove intriguing in the future.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down the contest in Socceroos Talking Points!
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Watkins fires for Lions as Roos sink | 00:39
THE PHRASE INSPIRING SOCCEROOS AGAINST FANCIED OPPONENTS
Graham Arnold has banged on about the “Aussie DNA” throughout his tenure as Socceroos coach, but it continues to ring true in every match the team plays.
Although England trotted out what many would consider a second-string line-up, it still featured hundreds of millions of dollars worth of talent.
Even when England brought on the likes of Marcus Rashford, Kieran Trippier and Phil Foden in the second half, it provided a timely reminder of the vast gap in depth available.
It would have been easy for most teams to roll over and accept their fate, but not the Socceroos.
As assistant coach Rene Meulensteen — who stepped in for the post-match press conference as Arnold had lost his voice — pointed out, a four-word phrase encapsulated why the team wouldn’t take a backwards step.
“The one thing that we have to respect everybody, but we don’t fear anybody,” Meulensteen said.
“Without a shadow of a doubt he’s got world class players in every position. But for us, I think if you look back, we had a fantastic game plan, we were very well organised.
“There’s not many national teams, I’ll tell you that, that have the courage to go and press against the big teams.
“Because I tell you, most of the national team coaches, they think they haven’t had enough contact time with the team so they’re up for a more calm approach.
“We always go full out and press where we can and I think that’s admirable.”
Granted, England enjoyed the lion’s share of possession with 67 per cent compared to Australia’s 33 per cent share.
Despite their time on the ball, it was the Aussies who produced more chances and mustered 14 shots in total with four on target, compared to England’s nine and three on target.
It’s further evidence Australia can mix it with the big boys, even if there is a vast gap in star power available.
AUSSIE STARS’ HEARTBREAK SAYS IT ALL
The fact a number of players were left devastated after the game is proof the Socceroos were more than well in the contest.
Ryan Strain had an effort cleared off the line, England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone produced a flying save to deny Keanu Baccus and Connor Metcalfe was denied by the post in cruel scenes.
Much like the Argentina contest at the World Cup, the Socceroos wondered what could have been as they attempted to recreate the feats of the 2003 squad that famously beat England 3-1.
Jackson Irvine, who made a miraculous recovery to return from a serious ankle injury to then start against the Three Lions, felt it was “undoubtedly” an opportunity missed to get one over their historic rivals.
“You can feel it in the dressing room after the game,” Irvine told reporters after the game.
“You think after an occasion like this (we’d be happy) but it was a bit flat.
“That’s a testament to the mentality of the group, you know, coming to a place like this against an opponent like that and feeling like there was something for us tonight, a little bit of a missed opportunity.”
The sentiment was echoed by Craig Goodwin, who put in an outstanding shift on the left wing and whipped in several free kicks that had the England backline worried.
The Al-Wehda forward believed the team must now develop that killer streak in front of goal that the rest of the world’s top teams possess if they are to get the results the Socceroos’ performances deserve.
“I think we played really well, created some really good chances, but probably need to be a little bit more ruthless with the ones that we have.
“At the end of the day we played against a top opposition and one of the best international teams in the world.
“So we take pride from that but we have to obviously try and finetune those areas and the chances that we do create – and then hopefully from there we can take our game to the next level.”
Who knows when Australia will face England next, but you can be sure England boss Gareth Southgate won’t look at this fixture lightly any more.
THE BACKLINE HEADACHE ARNIE WILL WELCOME
For the second straight game, Arnold has named Kye Rowles at left back as Cameron Burgess slotted in as the left-sided centre back alongside Harry Souttar.
It is an interesting plot from Arnold, especially since Rowles is traditionally a centre back and was forming an impressive partnership alongside Souttar.
But Burgess’ form for club side Ipswich Town made him impossible to ignore and earned a deserved call-up to the national team.
Rowles was given the tough task of shutting down England livewire Jarrod Bowen, who has been in scintillating form for club side West Ham United.
Although the Hearts defender had a slow start and was caught napping for a brief moment, Rowles certainly grew into the contest and proved a dependable option.
The decision to play Rowles at left back also represents a slight tweak in tactics from Arnold given Aziz Behich, who has often been first choice in the position for several years, is willing to get up and down the flank.
So too is Jordan Bos, who has emerged as Behich’s potential successor in the position but is adept at playing further forward if necessary.
However, Meulensteen pointed out it’s all about keeping the team’s options open and praised both Rowles and Burgess for their performance.
“It’s always good to have players that can play in multiple positions,” Meulensteen said.
“It’s difficult for us in windows in September or October that we can use Australian players because the A-League hasn’t started, so those players weren’t fit enough. That was the case with Aziz.
“We know that Kye can play there. Kye’s very comfortable there and with Cam Burgess coming in, to see what we can do there.
“Again, Cam Burgess put in an outstanding performance. It’s another option for us.”
It’s a headache for Arnold and his coaching staff to consider in the future, but it’s certainly a welcome one.
‘BRAVE’ YOUNGSTERS NOT OVERAWED BY OCCASION
A fixture against England at Wembley is a daunting colosseum for any player to walk into, let alone a number of inexperienced Socceroos.
But Keanu Baccus, Ryan Strain and Connor Metcalfe did not look overawed by the occasion at all.
Strain, making his first Socceroos start, was tasked with keeping £100m superstar Jack Grealish quiet while Baccus had to shut down an England midfield featuring Jordan Henderson, James Maddison and Conor Gallagher.
As for Metcalfe, he had to do his best to shut down early England attacks and simultaneously help spark ones for the Socceroos once they gained possession.
Although Strain picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul on Grealish, the Manchester City superstar was largely shackled by his adversary before he was replaced by Lewis Miller in the 74th minute.
He also came within inches of opening the scoring, with only a desperate goal-line clearance from Lewis Dunk denying him from a goal.
As for Baccus, he was one of the Socceroos’ best in an all-action midfield display in which he showed all of his physical and technical qualities.
Metcalfe almost got on the scoresheet himself but directed his header against the post in the dying minutes.
Safe to say, the next generation for the Socceroos left Meulensteen impressed.
“You have to give those boys enormous credit,” Meulensteen said.
“The bravery that they had, I think it’s the mentality that stands out for us.
“We can go toe-to-toe with all different nations. We are just trying to find that extra bit of quality to really put them to the sword, and that’s what we’re looking for.”