Australia’s probable XI

Having won the Nations Cup last February, Australia come into this 2023 Women’s World Cup with huge ambitions. The Matildas will be hoping to win the biggest international match in front of their home crowd. Here is the starting XI that Toni Gustavsson could field in this event.

For her third appearance at the Women’s World Cup, goaltender Mackenzie Arnold will be the Matildas’ number one goalkeeper. A credit to someone who never played a minute of the first two CDMs. After an outstanding season in the West Ham side, the Australian doorman can finally assume the role of holder during the most beautiful matches.

The goalkeeper was a hard-earned role, but one that was attributed to her man-of-the-match honor during Australia’s crowning glory at the Nations Cup last February. Although it is thought that the time has come to say goodbye to the Matildas, the West Ham star will be doing everything possible to help her side clinch the Holy Grail at home.

Ellie Carpenter is back in selection, although she has not donned an Australian jersey since January 2022 due to a serious knee injury. The young 23-year-old, who plays for Olympique Lyonnais, should also start with the Matildas during the World Cup. Carpenter is a true Australian nugget who started in selection before his injury. When he returned to the Matildas in April, coach Tony Gustavsson did not hesitate to offer him his place.

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Central defender Claire Hunt plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League Women (Australian Women’s League). The 25-year-old Australian has only five selections to her credit but seems to have convinced the coach who started her during her first selections. In five games, the Matildas defender won the Nations Cup in February 2023 and secured a starting spot.

Stephanie-Ellis Gately plays as a left-back with Arsenal at club, but also in selection. However, in the absence of Clare Polkinghorne, who will be sidelined from mid-April, Gately could be replaced in central defence. The experienced Australian star believes his team is capable of collective exploitation during this World Cup.

Charlotte Lane is a player who plays as a defender for Vittsjö GIK in Grand Damalsvenskan (Swedish League). At the age of 21, Charlotte Grant will play her first World Cup. Everyone dreams of being able to represent their country in such an important tournament, and for Charlotte this dream has come true. Hitting fast and hard, she is able to pace her team on the left side. She is capable of playing on the right in Carpenter’s absence.

Hayley Raso forms a formidable Australian pairing with Mary Fowler at Manchester City, which will see them shine for their country. This shock pair is a wonderful asset to the Australian selection. The Citizens striker hopes to score some goals during this World Cup on Australian soil. It will be a big revenge for the player who saw his career end in 2018 after a serious back injury.

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At 30, Katrina-Lee Cory is one of the most experienced players in the squad. He earned his first cap with the Matildas in 2013 and has featured in three World Cups. Vittsjö GIK (Damalsvenskan) midfielder 17 goals in 93 caps, a strong asset and a solid midfielder.

Kyra Cooney-Cross is the nugget of this Australian selection. At 21, the Hummerby midfielder has high expectations for the national team. Versatile, Cooney-Cross is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder and providing support for the two Matildas forwards. He is ranked 10th at the club, allowing him to score when the opportunity presents itself.

Courtney Brooke Wynne is a benchmark in the W-League. The Sydney FC midfielder is part of a new generation of Matildas. In 14 appearances, the Sydneysiders have already won the Cup when Australia won the Nations Cup last February.

At 20, the youngest member of the team, Marie Fauver was about to play her first World Cup. The Manchester City boss (who went with Montpellier via D1 Arkema) is looking to find the net on a number of occasions this summer. Along with Sam Kerr and his experience, the young Australian will form a formidable attacking duo during this World Cup.

At the age of 29, Sam Kerr is the star of this Australian team, but the player to watch during this tournament. In three participations, the scorer did not qualify for the 1/4 finals. This time, the Chelsea striker has a specific objective: to win the most beautiful competition at home.

The NWSL (US Women’s Championship) and W-League (Australian Women’s Championship), the top scorer in the history of her selection, may also want to make her mark in search of the best striker title in this 2023 World Cup.

Top 90 is a 90 minute YouTube show where we discuss football in the form of top lists! This week, Alexis Amsellum, Quentin Kesp And Davy Diamond Pay tribute to the outgoing Lyon president and present their legendary OL XI under the Jean-Michel Alas era! Subscribe to our YouTube channel!