Women’s Football Tokyo 2020: Team GB face Australia on their mission to reach the semi-finals

Securing top spot in Group E after a 1-1 draw with Canada, Team GB face Australia at the Kashima Stadium in the quarter-finals of the Olympic women’s football; their first meeting in an international tournament.

GB are flying high after coming through the group stage unbeaten, while the Aussies will be full of confidence following their goalless draw with the USA.

England’s women last faced Australia in 2018, when Fran Kirby scored their goal in a 1-1 draw. Since then both teams have changed management and have had an influx of new talent. While GB are previous bronze medalists at the games Australia will be looking to better their 2016 Olympic games result by making it to the semi-finals.

Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson has selected an experienced squad, with 12 members of their Rio 2016 squad returning for this games. All members of this team were also present at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

GB will have their work cut out against this side, keeping a particularly close eye on their strike force.

Captain Sam Kerr has scored three of their four goals in the group stage. The Chelsea forward has been formidable in front of goal in the WSL and is a familiar opponent to many of the GB players. Their defence, who have only conceded one goal so far in the tournament, will need to stay switched on for the whole 90 to keep Kerr and fellow strikers like Tameka Yallop at bay.

Should she play, Lauren Hemp will be one to watch for the Australians. Highly regarded by head coach Hege Riise the youngster is quick and powerful, working well with any teammate to press high and create chances in front of goal. She has found joy linking up with the Scottish midfield duo of Caroline Weir and Kim Little and has looked dangerous with the ball in front of goal; playing a part in White’s opener against Chile.

The game on Friday 30 July kicks off at 10am. The winner of this tie will face the winner of Sweden v Japan in the semi-finals next Monday.

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