Since the conclusion of the World Cup in Qatar, Australia have faced Ecuador twice, newly-crowned world champions Argentina, Mexico, and now England, who defeated Graham Arnold’s side 1-0 at Wembley on Friday evening. Over these fixtures, they have won once – 3-1 over Ecuador in the first game of this run – drawn once, and lost three times. They have scored six goals and conceded eight. The three latest games have all taken place away from home.
None of these contests will go down in the annals of footballing history. In contrast to the 3-1 triumph the Socceroos secured over England 20 years ago, their latest meeting, aside from its notability as the first time an Australian senior side played at Wembley, will perhaps be remembered in years to come as having simply happened. Or, at a pinch, as the debut of Levi Colwill, Eddie Nketiah, Lewis Miller or Mohamed Toure.
