Match Preview: Socceroos v England

On Tuesday night at 7:30pm AEST, the Socceroos begin preparations for FIFA World Cup 2006 qualifying with a friendly match against England at Upton Park.

It is Australia’s first competitive match in almost a year as they look to bounce back from the heartbreaking Oceania Nations Cup Final defeat to New Zealand.

Whilst England enters the match undefeated in their last three, they are expected to experiment following a draw with Macedonia in EURO qualifying.

Having failed to beat the three lions in their previous five meetings, the first match on English soil also provides Frank Farina’s men with the chance for revenge.  

More than three thousand Socceroos fans are expected to attend as football remains the only leading sport in which Australia has never beaten England.

PREVIEW: Socceroos v England

Watch the full England v Socceroos from 2003 on Tuesday night from 7:30pm AEST on Facebook and Youtube.


Form

England’s last five matches: DWDLW

Australia's last five matches: LWWWW

World ranking

England: 8

Australia: 50

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Squads

England

Head coach: Sven Goran Eriksson

David James (GK), Paul Robinson (GK), Gary Neville, Wes Brown, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Paul Konchesky, David Beckham, Danny Mills, Kieron Dyer, Owen Hargreaves, Frank Lampard, Jermaine Jenas, Paul Scholes, Danny Murphy, James Beattie, Michael Owen, Francis Jeffers, Wayne Rooney, Darius Vassell

Australia

Head coach: Frank Farina

Mark Schwarzer (GK), Brett Emerton, Craig Moore, Tony Popovic, Tony Vidmar, Scott Chipperfield, Lucas Neill, Stan Lazaridis, Paul Okon, Mark Bresciano, Josip Skoko, Vince Grella, Harry Kewell, John Aloisi, Mark Viduka, Mile Sterjovski, Zeljko Kalac (GK), Kevin Muscat

Viduka Socceroos England 2003
Mark Viduka shoots during training

What they said

Socceroos Head Coach Frank Farina

On the possibility of Harry Kewell captaining the side

"I've always believed Harry would captain his country.

"He has the respect and admiration of the rest of the boys and has the makings of a leader.

"I think he would enjoy the job, It's really just a matter of time."

On Paul Okon’s inclusion in the squad

"He was never in doubt, I have never said Paul was out of the squad.

"When Okon plays well, I think teams play well.

"The unlucky thing for Paul is that he's had a lot of injuries, but I have been one of his biggest supporters."

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How To Watch

The Socceroos are back on the road as they head to London to play England in an international friendly. You can watch the clash with England on the Socceroos Facebook and Youtube.

Tag your friends to make a watch party, and hit "Get Reminder" to receive a notification when the game goes live.

Kick off takes place on Tuesday at 7:30 pm AEST.

Click here to watch on Facebook.

Click here to watch on Youtube or watch in the player below from 7:30pm AEDT!

 

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This article was originally published on the Socceroos website.
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