International: England edge out Australia
England 1-0 Australia
Ollie Watkins made a triumphant return to the England national team by scoring the winning goal in a friendly match against Australia at Wembley.
The Aston Villa striker turned in Jack Grealish's shot from very close to the goal line just before the one-hour mark, creating one of the few bright moments in an otherwise unimpressive performance by the English team.
Watkins made up for a missed opportunity in the first half when he hit the post.
Australia couldn't capitalize on several chances before halftime. Sam Johnstone, who was given the opportunity to play as the goalkeeper, made an excellent save against Keanu Baccus, and Mitchell Duke narrowly missed with a volley.
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Lewis Dunk also came to the rescue, clearing a shot off the line from Ryan Strain. After Watkins scored, Australia had a late opportunity to level the score, but Connor Metcalfe hit the post with a header.
In the end, England secured a morale-boosting victory ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy at Wembley on Tuesday.
For Southgate and England, attention now switches to this qualifier. The England manager will be able to turn to his world-class stars such as captain Kane and Jude Bellingham. Both were kept back and will be fresh as they attempt to take another significant step towards next summer's Euro 2024 finals in Germany.
More news from across England (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
What are the fans saying?
Rebecca, an England fan, told us: "I'm not sure what we gained from this match. England played ok, and a few players got to play for England when they might not have in a qualifier. However, you could argue that a simple inter-squad training match would have probably been more beneficial and not forced fans to pay money for a meaningless match."
Jamie, an Aston Villa and England fan, added: "Watkins' return to the England team is a great reward for his excellent form at Villa Park this season. Under Emery, he has hit seven goals in all competitions - including two hat-tricks. He is becoming something of a hero for Villa fans and becoming integral for England, even as a squad player, will only add to this iconic status."
More news from across Europe (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Highlights
Footage from England - YouTube
One YouTuber commented: "Alexander Arnold is a conjurer, something out of nothing! You can always get a goal when he's on the pitch."
@FSC92 added on the same platform: "Just how talented the England squad is just can't name how many class players not playing this match they could easily win any match."
