Sarina Wiegman explains why the Lionesses are relishing Matildas test | OneFootball

Sarina Wiegman has claimed that England’s friendly against Australia is a good opportunity to show the world ‘who we are’ as a nation.

The Lionesses were shocked by Brazil in their first October friendly and are looking to make amends.

England looking forward to Australia test

While their loss to Brazil was a shock, England don’t have much time to dwell on the defeat.

The Lionesses play their final game of the international break on Wednesday night in an exciting matchup against Australia.

England’s opponents should be an even tougher test than Brazil were but Sarina Wiegman is relishing the challenge.

“We are excited to go again tomorrow” explained the England manager on Tuesday.

“We have the opportunity to show straight away again who we are. We also know that in football we play tough opponents all the time and also in these friendlies, we want to play the top-level countries because they will challenge us in the way we need to be challenged.

The Lionesses were certainly challenged against Brazil and despite their opponents being reduced to 10 players, Wiegman’s team suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat.

There was plenty to learn from England’s first defeat since the start of the Euro 2025 group stage.

“If we want to improve our game that’s absolutely what we want, we have to play top, top opponent.” Wiegman said. “We always play to win, and at the same time want to improve every single game and being challenged really shows these areas”.

England have won four of their seven head to head meetings against Australia since their first clash in 2003.

A new-look England

In their friendly against Brazil, England looked very different to their Euros winning team.

Khiara Keating made her debut for the Lionesses with Hannah Hampton watching on from the sidelines.

Wiegman has confirmed since the Brazil loss that Hampton is in line to return to action against Australia.

England also have plenty of injury concerns on their defence with the likes of Leah Williamson, Katie Reid and Millie Bright all out of the team.

Maya Le Tissier was finally given a chance for the Lionesses against Brazil in their absence.

The Manchester United defender will be hoping that this week she is finally given a shot at centre-back. That could be a long-shot though with Wiegman insisting she is better used on either side of defence.