<p>It’s a quick turnaround for the Tillies, but they are back in action…. And the old enemy awaits!</p> <p>For the first time since their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat on home soil in 2023, the Matildas will face England’s Lionesses in a friendly clash.</p> <p>It looms as the sternest test yet for Joe Montemurro’s side as they take on the two-time reigning European champions, continuing their build-up toward a home Asian Cup in March next year.</p> <p>Both sides were in action last week during the first leg of the women’s international window. The Matildas secured a 2-1 win over Wales, while England suffered a 1-2 loss to Brazil at the Etihad.</p> <p>With the countdown to the men’s cricket Ashes underway, the Rugby League Ashes taking place as we speak, and the Wallabies set to do battle with England this weekend, this fixture adds another chapter to the famous Australia–England rivalry — just in a different code, with bragging rights once again on the line.</p> <p>For the latest analysis, team news, odds, and betting tips, read our full Lionesses vs Matildas preview below.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Lionesses vs Matildas Preview</h2> <p>The Matildas' historic clash against Wales was all about one person. Sam Kerr.</p> <p>The superstar striker made her triumphant return to the national team, and to the surprise of everyone, started on the field over the subs bench.&nbsp;</p> <p>It was almost the perfect return, too, as she nearly got herself on the scoresheet, but she left it as Courtney Nevin’s shot into the box was on target and trickled into the back of the net for her first goal in the Green and Gold. The first of the Matildas' two goals against the Welsh.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Meanwhile, what was meant to be a day of celebration for the European champions turned sour. England, who were parading their Euro trophy before kick-off, fell 1-2 to a 10-player Brazilian side.</p> <p>While they successfully defended their European crown earlier this year, that match against the Copa América champions exposed some of the same cracks that appeared throughout their tournament run.</p> <p>England manager Sarina Wiegman lamented her team’s slow start but insisted they can and will improve.</p> <p>Closer to home, with only three matches left before their next major assignment, the Matildas are running out of time to bed down their preferred starting XI and test new combinations. Still, they’ll be desperate to measure themselves against one of the world’s best sides.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Matildas Squad&nbsp;</h2> <p>Morgan Aquino, Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Caitlin Foord, Katrina Gorry, Charli Grant, Winonah Heatley, Michelle Heyman, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Holly McNamara, Teagan Micah, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily Van Egmond, Cortnee Vine, Clare Wheeler</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Lionesses vs The Matildas Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction (H2H)</h3> <p>This will be the first meeting between these sides since England ended Australia’s dream run in the 2023 World Cup semi-finals. Sam Kerr’s wonder strike that night still lives long in the memory for every Australian fan, but England ultimately prevailed 3-1 in Sydney.</p> <p>Historically, the teams have met seven times, with the Matildas recording two wins, one draw, and four losses.</p> <p>After the surprise of Kerr starting against Wales, it seems unlikely she’ll start again here, which could create headaches for England’s defenders later in the match.</p> <p>Joe Montemurro has shown a willingness to rotate his squad, blending youth and experience, so expect a few fresh faces in the starting XI this time around. Barring an injury cloud over defender Steph Catley, there appears to be a full squad to pick from, so it will be interesting to see how he puts this XI together.&nbsp;</p> <p>It should be a tightly contested battle, but with a packed home crowd and England’s depth and quality, the Lionesses look poised to bounce back and reclaim bragging rights.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: Lionesses</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal</h3> <p>Aussie defenders, stay alert!</p> <p>World-class striker Alessia Russo will be eager to make amends after England’s defeat to Brazil. The Arsenal star has already notched two goals in six WSL matches this season and will be leading the line again.</p> <p>She’s our pick to open the scoring for the home side.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: Alessio Russo</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Correct Score</h3> <p>England’s winning run over the Euros often came by narrow margins. Either late scrounge goals or penalty shootouts rather than piling on the goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>In that vein, we don’t expect this one to be super high scoring. Despite the scoring power on both sides of the centre line, we think this one will probably be in line with the scorelines that both sides finished with last week.</p> <p><strong>Betting tip</strong>: England 2 - Australia 1</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How to Watch Lionesses vs The Matildas</h2> <p>Fans in Australia can watch the Lionesses vs. Matildas match live on Paramount+.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Lionesses vs Matildas Match Details</h2> <p><strong>Kick-off</strong>: 6:00 am AEDT.</p> <p><strong>Date</strong>: Wednesday, October 28, 2025.</p> <p><strong>Location</strong>: Pride Park Stadium, Derby, England.</p>