SCOUTING REPORT: Australia are physically strong and will be no pushover

The Women's World Cup stage is lit, and with less than a handful of matches away from crowing a new champion, England's competition is fierce against a strongly stacked Australia squad.

Poster girl Sam Kerr proves to be one of the Matildas' biggest threats, though their lack of composure and complete finishing in the box against France allows England something to capitalise on.

The Matildas enjoyed a penalty shootout win against France in the quarter-finals and a successful 2-0 defeat against Denmark.

At times, they have not been so strong, narrowly beating the Republic of Ireland 1-0 in the group stages, and losing 3-2 to a dominant Nigeria.

Star striker Sam Kerr has been an obvious missing piece for Tony Gustavsson's side, and they are missing her clinical finishing in front of goal, though it will be interesting to see how the Matildas shape up against the Lionesses.

Strengths

Australia are well organised in defence, physically strong and clinical on the break — as England discovered when they suffered a 1-0 defeat at their hands in April.

They will look to soak up pressure and break forward with speed. Mackenzie Arnold, of West Ham, is a top goalkeeper. The Matildas have shown they are resilient and with a fierce home crowd behind them, they will feel unstoppable.

Weaknesses

The Matildas created several opportunities to score against France but lacked composure in front of goal.

They have never reached a World Cup semi-final before and have previously faltered when they’ve reached the latter stages of tournaments. There is also perhaps a question mark over their centre backs.

Manchester City’s Alanna Kennedy missed the majority of last season through injury and has been shaky on a couple of occasions while Clare Hunt is inexperienced at international level.

Manager

The charismatic Tony Gustavsson is used to facing pressure as manager of this Australia team.

The Matildas’ quarter-final exit from the 2021 Asia Cup, a competition they were expected to win, raised concerns over his credentials but an impressive run of form leading into this World Cup gave confidence.

Gustavsson is popular with his players and has created a family environment, though his decision not to tell the Aussie press about Sam Kerr’s injury was unpopular. But the Swedish boss has silenced doubters by making history and guiding the Aussies to a first ever World Cup semi-final.

Star players

Sam Kerr is the obvious threat in this Australia team but there are still doubts over the Chelsea forward’s fitness. Kerr has not started a match at this tournament, with two substitute appearances in the last two games.

Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord and Manchester City’s Mary Fowler have stepped up in Kerr’s absence. Foord is experienced and has led by example while youngster Fowler has been exciting to watch. Steph Catley, who plays for Arsenal, has been impressive at left back.

Form

The Aussies edged a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their first game before a 3-2 defeat by Nigeria threatened to condemn them to an early exit. But the Matildas stepped up when it mattered, thrashing Canada 4-0 to progress to the knockouts.

A 2-0 victory over Denmark followed in the last 16 before their dramatic penalty shootout win over France.

The Aussies have not been as clinical without Kerr but have kept four clean sheets from their five games and will be tough for England to break down.