Australia and England are two countries with a famous sporting rivalry, particularly in the sports of cricket and rugby union – but their history in football is less storied.
That said, in recent years Australia's Matildas and England Lionesses have begun to compete against one another, and will contest their biggest ever match on August 16 when they face off in the World Cup semifinal in Sydney.
Australia are looking to make a first ever World Cup final in front of their home fans, while England are aiming to reach a World Cup final little more than a year after winning their maiden European championship.
What can the history between the two sides tell us about the match? Will it indicate who may walk away with victory?
MORE: Australia vs England live blog
When was the last time Australia and England played each other?
Interestingly, the Matildas and Lionesses have already clashed once in 2023, with the sides meeting in the April international window in London.
England were embarking on a record unbeaten run, but it was surprisingly ended by a great performance from Australia as they walked away with a 2-0 victory at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Captain Sam Kerr scored the opening goal after capitalising on a mistake by Leah Williamson, before Charli Grant scored her first ever international goal in the second half with a diving header to secure a famous victory.
It remains the only game England have lost since September 2021.
Australia vs England history, head-to-head record
The two sides have only clashed four times before, with the first meeting coming in 2015 in the Cyprus Cup, an invitational women's football tournament.
England won that day 3-0 with Jodie Taylor scoring a hat-trick; nine players in Australia's World Cup squad were involved that day, while just three of England's World Cup side were in the squad.
The sides clashed once more in 2015 in the Yongchuan Invitational Tournament in China, with England winning again but this time 1-0.
It is the last time the Lionesses got the better of the Matildas, with the two sides fighting out a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage in London in 2018, before Australia's famous win earlier this year.
| Date | Tournament | Result | Stadium |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 6, 2015 | 2015 Cyprus Cup | Australia 0-3 England | GSP Stadium |
| October 27, 2015 | 2015 Yongchuan Tournament | England 1-0 Australia | Yongchuan Sports Stadium |
| October 9, 2018 | International Friendly | England 1-1 Australia | Craven Cottage |
| April 11, 2023 | International Friendly | England 0-2 Australia | Brentford Community Stadium |
Australia and England World Cup 2023 matches, results
Australia
Australia got off to a nervy start at their home World Cup, recording a scrappy win on opening night against the Republic of Ireland, followed by a shock loss to Nigeria, putting their qualification hopes for the knockout rounds in jeopardy.
Tactical tweaks by coach Tony Gustavsson helped revive the Matildas, though, and they stormed to a 4-0 win over Canada to top Group B, and recorded a professional win against Denmark in the Round of 16.
They then faced France in the quarterfinals in a back and forth match that went to extra time and ultimately penalties.
In the longest penalty shootout in World Cup history, the Matildas eventually prevailed, punching their ticket for a semifinal berth.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 20 | Australia 1-0 Rep. of Ireland | Stadium Australia |
| July 27 | Australia 2-3 Nigeria | Brisbane Stadium |
| July 31 | Australia 4-0 Canada | Melbourne Rectangular Stadium |
| August 7 | Australia 2-0 Denmark | Stadium Australia |
| August 12 | Australia 0-0 France (7-6 on penalties) | Brisbane Stadium |
England
England romped through the group stages with three wins from three, securing tight 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark, before they smashed China 6-1 in Adelaide, with Lauren James scoring twice and assisting twice.
The young star would make headlines for all the wrong reasons in their Round of 16 tie against Nigeria, when she was sent off late in the game for stomping on the back of Michelle Alozie.
They struggled to attack in the game and were forced into a penalty shootout, which they won 4-2.
They then fell behind in their quarterfinal match against Colombia, but their quality and experience ultimately shone through as they overhauled the South American underdogs to win 2-1
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 22 | England 1-0 Haiti | Brisbane Stadium |
| July 28 | England 1-0 Denmark | Sydney Football Stadium |
| August 1 | China 1-6 England | Hindmarsh Stadium |
| August 7 |
England 0-0 Nigeria (4-2 on penalties) |
Brisbane Stadium |
| August 12 | England 2-1 Colombia | Stadium Australia |
