Disaster struck early for the Matildas in their 3-1 loss to England in Derby, as Alanna Kennedy was shown a red card in the 19th minute for fouling Alessia Russo just outside the box.
Kennedy lost the ball in her own half, a gift Alessia Russo instantly seized, turning and racing toward the penalty area.
Desperate to recover, Kennedy attempted to tackle the England striker but instead brought her down, leaving referee Iuliana Elena Demetrescu no choice but to show a red card.
With the veteran defender gone, Aggie Beever-Jones quickly capitalised, giving the Lionesses a 1-0 lead just a minute later.
As the opening half unfolded, Mackenzie Arnold stood tall to deny a close-range shot from Russo. Moments later, Arnold was called upon again, diving brilliantly to her left post to block a long-range effort from Ella Toone.
Following Arnold's flurry of saves, Australia broke quickly.
Ellie Carpenter combined with reinstated captain Sam Kerr, whose powerful strike was ultimately blocked by goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Just moments after the restart, Lucy Bronze struck a decisive blow, doubling the Lionesses' lead to 2-0 inside the first minute of the second half.
Following changes by Matildas coach Joe Montemurro, the trio of Kerr, Amy Sayer and Steph Catley left the pitch, making way for Charli Grant, Hayley Raso and Clare Wheeler.
Kerr was substituted after 69 minutes — the longest she has played in a single game since returning from the ACL injury she suffered in January 2024.
Arnold stood strong again to deflect a potent shot from Georgia Stanway, denying the England player known for her strikes from distance.
Play was briefly paused after Michelle Agyemang went down with an apparent knee injury, requiring her to come from the field on a stretcher.
Agyemang received a standing ovation from the home crowd as she was carried off the pitch, with her hands covering her face.
The Matildas made a late double change in injury time, sending on Remy Siemsen and Jamilla Rankin for Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Late drama ensued after Katrina Gorry made a tackle on Missy Bo Kearns.
Following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, with Stanway successfully converting the resulting penalty kick for England's third goal.
MORE TO COME.
