Defender Bailey Wright feels the Caltex Socceroos' display against England gives the side further belief they can match it with the best nations in the world.
There was no repeat of the upset win the last time these nations met 13 years ago as goals to Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney helped the hosts to a hard-fought 2-1 win.
Caltex Socceroos go down to England
But there was a lot to like about the way the Socceroos attacked an England outfit in full preparation for Euro 2016 and full of EPL stars.
“International football is 11 against 11 no matter what league you play in, we went out there tonight and proved we’re good enough and more than good enough to be out there and wear that top and wear it with pride,” Wright told Fox Sports.
“We knew it was going to be a tough challenge, they [England] are a good side with good players but we know what we’re capable of as well.
“There was a few times we could have hurt them and maybe just didn’t have that little bit of luck sometimes you need in football.”
Playing in a 4-4-2 formation – with a diamond in midfield – the Socceroos dominated possession in the first half with Aaron Mooy, Tom Rogic and Robbie Kruse the most impressive.
Every player looked comfortable in possession, with the side showing great confidence playing through the England side in tight areas.
For Wright, who was excellent in a new-look back four, it’s no surprise the quality the side showed on the ball.
“Day in, day out we work on those things that we do out on the pitch. It doesn’t just happen by coincidence,” the Preston North End defender said.
“We’ve proved to everyone and ourselves we can do it against anyone, doesn’t matter who it is, we’re confident we can do it.
“Obviously the result wasn’t what we wanted but we’ll keep building and building and only get better.
“As a team it’s another step in the direction we want to go. We played our football and we caused them a lot of problems,” Wright added.
“They maybe had that bit of luck but there was certainly a lot of times we created a lot of good chances and played some good football…a lot of positives to take from it.”
