England and Australia stars Fran Kirby,Sam Kerr,Harry Kane and Harry Souttar.Credit:Getty Images
Now the generation that overtook them with their stunning run to the World Cup round of 16 last year will get another chance to match or better them at Wembley on October 13,while the Matildas have also locked in a friendly date with England’s women in London on April 11 in a key test three months out from the Women’s World Cup.
While the Wallabies and Kangaroos have both played there before,no Australian football team has ever set foot on Wembley’s hallowed turf – and that win two decades ago was the only one for the Socceroos in seven previous attempts against England.
Just getting to Wembley is a dream come true for Arnold,who grew up watching FA Cup finals at the old Wembley,but whose playing career meant he would never get the opportunity to pull on the boots at the storied venue.
But like in Qatar,participation is no longer enough to satisfy the Socceroos,whose 2026 World Cup qualification campaign will begin the month after their showdown with England.
England celebrate after beating Germany at Wembley Stadium in the Women’s Euro 2022 final.Credit:Getty Images
“That’s the first thing I’ll be driving as soon as we get into camp,” Arnold said.
“They’ve shown me the standards,and that’s a minimum now. Whenever we put on that green and gold shirt,it’s that hunger,that fight and the way that we play is that we get out there and do everything for the nation.