A-Leagues sensation returns as Matildas announce squad for England & Scotland battles

The Matildas have announced their squad to take on Scotland and England in April, with some big names returning.

Melbourne City’s Holly McNamara and Lyon star Ellie Carpenter are back in the Matildas squad after long-term absences as Australia gear up for next month’s international friendlies against Scotland and England.

The Matildas will host Scotland at Cherry Red Records Stadium in London on April 7 before facing European champions England at Gtech Stadium on April 11 (April 12 AEDT) as Tony Gustavsson’s Australia ramp up their preparations for July’s FIFA Women’s World Cup on home soil.

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The 24-person squad features the return of A-Leagues star Holly McNamara, who is one of five Liberty A-League-based players called up, as well as Matildas favourite Carpenter.

McNamara tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in February last year, having featured for Australia at the 2022 Women’s AFC Asian Cup, but the 20-year-old forward made her comeback following 363 days on the sidelines last month.

The three-time international has made three appearances for title-chasing City this season; Dario Vidosic’s side are third in the Liberty A-League and seven points adrift of leaders Western United.

Last month, Carpenter returned to the pitch for European and French powerhouse Lyon following more than eight months out with a serious knee injury and the 22-year-old is now set to add to her 57 Matildas caps having not represented the Green and Gold since a 3-1 win over New Zealand in April 2022.

“We have all been delighted to see both Ellie and Holly come back to football following the incredible amount of hard work and professionalism they have shown in their recovery,” head coach Gustavsson said.

“In the minutes they have already played, they have both shown they have the qualities within their arsenal that can be beneficial to the team. Now with the realities of our roster for this camp, we have the chance to welcome them back to the national team environment and see first-hand what they can produce a this international intensity.”

The other Liberty A-League representatives in the squad are Sydney FC’s Cortnee Vine, Western Sydney Wanderers captain Clare Hunt, Brisbane Roar forward Larissa Crummer and Sky Blues goalkeeper Jada Whyman.

However, vice-captain and Arsenal star Steph Catley and Emily Gielnik are unavailable due to injury.

“We have selected a squad that continues to impress us with how quickly they are seeing the same picture whenever we come together,” Gustavsson added.

“Building on this foundations is important as we take on two tough opponents in Scotland and England where we resume working towards creating that consistent 90-minute football.

“For the long term, it is vital as we have the ability to continue to evolve our plans heading into July.

“We have full awareness that we are not the finished product and in February we identified some further areas for improvement These scheduled matches are a great opportunity to carry on addressing those areas against one of the best teams in the world who will test us in all facets of the game.”

Matildas v Scotland
Date: Friday, 7 April 2023
Venue: Cherry Red Records Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 1.15pm (local) / 10.15pm (AEST)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+

England v Matildas
Date: Tues, 11 April 2023 (local) / Wed, 12 April (AEST)
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London
Kick-Off: 7:45pm (local) / 4:45am (AEST)
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+

Matilas squad for April friendlies