Arnold rues missed first-half opportunities

Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said it would have been a different story if Australia took their chances in the first half.

Australia outshot England 14 to 9 - much of which came in the first half, where a series of high-quality defensive interventions kept Australia at bay.

England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was called into action on multiple occasions while Lewis Dunk desperately slid in to claw the ball away from the line as well.

The Socceroos also proved dangerous from set pieces, with Martin Boyle’s corners a constant pest for the Three Lions defence.

Arnold’s men were denied an equaliser in the 80th minute when another set play found Connor Metcalfe, who headed onto the right post.

Arnold said he was not disappointed by England starting a rotated team with their opponent’s lineup still full of elite talent.

He said if Australia took those first-half chances, it could have turned the game on its head.

“When you look at that team, they're still top-class players,” he said.

“I was happy with the way we played. We created chances, we did very well and against a top team like England, but just disappointing to lose.”

The coach said he would wait to see how the team pulls after that mammoth effort when they face New Zealand next week.

The Aussies will be eager to build on last year’s positive results against their neighbours where they won both matches of a double-header in September. 

Upcoming match

Australia v New Zealand - International Friendly
Tuesday, 17 October     
Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford, London UK     
Kick-off: 7.45pm local / 5.45am AEDT (Wednesday, 18 October)  
Tickets: Purchase Here