Sarina Wiegman was insistent after England's Finalissima penalty drama against Brazil that their second half performance wasn't a "wake-up call."
But those watching on in the pouring rain as the Lionesses were beaten 2-0 by Australia just five days later, would struggle to describe the game as anything else. The hosts were blunt in attack, sloppy in possession and lost to a better team.
At full-time both the team and Wiegman looked a little lost, unsure how to react to a defeat, something they hadn't experienced for two years and such a dour display. There was no Sweet Caroline, no lap of honour, nothing for the home support in the 14,489 crowd to enjoy.
The European champions will go to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as one of the favourites, regardless of a first loss under Sarina Wiegman's management.
But there is plenty for the Dutch coach to address following England's final game before a summer Down Under. Without Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood the Lionesses looked a little hesitant in defence, while the midfield axis of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway was unusually slow on the ball.
The final third was a surprisingly one-dimension, with England slow on the ball and not able to consistently get in behind the Australian defence. For a team who have built their success on controlled precise passing and overloaded runs from deep into the box, the Lionesses failed to get anything going against a stubborn opponent.
As European champions, opponents are now extremely wary of facing Wiegman's team, something which will likely continue going into the World Cup this summer. This means numbers behind the ball, denying the Lionesses space behind the defensive line and slowing down the tempo at every opportunity.
England weren't helped by the poor conditions on Tuesday night, with the constant rainfall not helping their passing rhythm. The pitch probably played a part in Leah Williamson's undercooked header that gave Sam Kerr a simple finish to put Australia in front.
But take nothing away from Australia who were rigid in defence and didn't give England anything for free in the final third. "We might not have the biggest resources," Australia coach Tony Gustavsson said afterwards. "We might not have the most players in the big clubs in the big leagues, but what we have is heart and commitment and pride representing Australia."
That showed at Brentford. But England need to find a 'plan B' that allows them to overcome opponents in this scenario.
The Matildas, with respect, were not South Korea or Belgium from the Arnold Clark Cup, where the Lionesses' attacking quality would see them through. Lauren James was introduced after half an hour when fellow winger Lauren Hemp, who wore a face mask after suffering a heavy blow in the win over Brazil, had to come off.
But James wasn't able to use her trademark powerful runs and bar one decent effort in the second half, had little impact on proceedings. Relying on individual talent to see you through, is a harder ask as you face stronger opposition.
England have rarely needed a 'plan B' under Wiegman so far because her formation, tactics and playing style has always been spot on. The only notable time came in the European Championship quarter-final when trailing Spain 1-0 as the game ticked towards a finish.
That night Beth Mead wasn't getting wide enough and Fran Kirby had barely had a kick. Wiegman brought on Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Ella Toone and went direct putting pressure on the Spain penalty box, even throwing Millie Bright forward as a makeshift forward in the final minutes.
It was risky, but it worked, Russo nodded down for Toone to smash home a last gasp equaliser and England eventually got through. Tournament football is rarely ever won without such moments of hardship.
At some point this summer, England's starting team won't be firing and they may well be chasing a game. That is when they need alternative ways to dominate and players who can change the game from the bench. With Russo and Toone now regular starters, those options have changed and become slightly diluted.
In fairness Rachel Daly's introduction did change the flow of the contest and give the crowd something to get into. But once she headed wide with just over ten minutes to play the game was over.
But overall this was lethargic display from the Lionesses, in a game that was lacking little energy to begin with. A team that have won a European Championship, a Finalissima and gone on a 30-match unbeaten run deserve to be cut some slack, they have built up a fair bit of credit in the bank over the last two years.
However, this though was very a much a wake-up call. If the Lionesses can find ways to get through the tough moments, they won't be far away from the World Cup final on August 20.
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