Player ratings from Matildas’ win over England Lionesses ahead of Women’s World Cup in Australia

A brilliant performance from Matildas skipper Sam Kerr led Australia to a sensational 2-0 victory over the England Lionesses in London (AEST) on Wednesday morning.

Kerr’s sublime finish gave Australia the lead in the 32nd before rising superstar Charlotte Grant produced a match-winning header to give the Matildas two goals with 20 minutes remaining – her first international goal.

England’s usually confident captain Leah Williamson had a dreadful night, with a direct hand in both goals; while the entire Lioness side was relentlessly pressured by the Matildas, who forced some fouls.

It broke a 30-match unbeaten run by the 2022 European Championship champions and is a great sign as the Matildas prepare for a life-changing World Cup at home in July and August.

Here’s how Daily Mail Australia ranked all the players who took part in the match.

Matildas

Mackenzie Arnold – 7.5

Arnold patiently sat behind tough Lydia Williams for years, and when she finally got the chance in February at the Cup of Nations, she grabbed it with both hands. So much so that she was named Player of the Tournament – and she hasn’t looked back. It was another excellent performance from ‘Macka’, who was almost clear in goal, deflected a number of shots and directed the defense with ease. Looked imperturbable.

Ellie Carpenter – 7

Carpenter getting through 90 minutes unscathed feels like a victory in itself less than 100 days away from the world, but she’s made a brilliant recovery from the ACL. It looked like she was back to her best, shooting down the right wing and applying a lot of pressure. Also made for some perfectly weighted crosses. Probably the second most important player for the Matildas in the World Cup outside of Kerr, so it’s great news for Aussie fans to see her in the park.

Charlotte Grant – 9

Grant first took Carpenter’s place when she was recovering from her ACL, and now replaces Arsenal star Steph Catley on the left – but she’s no longer a stand-in. ‘Charlie’ is getting better and better with every game, and once again he was one of the best players on the side. Headed a goal in the 67th minute to close the game and the 21-year-old caused a lot of trouble with her relentless efforts in both attack and defence. Catley has to fight to get this jersey back.

Clare Hunt – 8.5

Hailing from the small NSW country town of Grenfell, the unannounced Hunt was huge in the center of defence. It’s hard to overstate how important she was in this victory, countering the pile of possession England had with a number of resolute blocks. Perhaps not the first-choice centre-back, but she is playing her way into a World Cup starting spot.

Clare Polkinghorne-7

The ever-reliable Polkinghorne formed a strong tandem with Hunt, standing strong through a spate of counter-attacks and forcing some mistakes from the usually sublime England through that high press. Never let anyone down.

Kyra Cooney-Cross – 6.5

The youngster looked very confident in the middle of the park next to former veteran Katrina Gorry. Her Matildas career is still in its infancy, but judging by this performance, she will be crucial off the bench in the World Cup with her energy and punch.

Hayley Raso – 7

Especially in the first half, he looked very menacing on the right wing. Raso, the definition of a gut runner, had a good chance putting her pressure on Keira Walsh. Also involved in some neat one-twos, Raso did what Raso always does: then never-say-belies that Aussie ghost.

Katrina Gorrie – 7.5

The tiny pocket rocket keeps finding new ways to take her game to another level. Pulled the strings in the middle of the park well and managed some (legal) bone-crunching tackles that forced the England attack into error.

Tameka Yallop – 6

Fingers and toes are crossed for Yallop, who hobbled off with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury. With more than 110 caps for Australia, the versatile midfielder is vital to the side, and had she been saved she might as well have been an England goal when she hurt her leg.

Sam Kerr – 9.5

Fantastic. It’s not just goals that Kerr brings to this side. Far from it. Leadership, of course, but what was most impressive in this game was the way she relentlessly tortured Williamson with her pressure, which ultimately culminated in her goal. She forced the England captain into a number of errors, but Kerr also laid out the brilliantly placed ball that gave Grant her goal. It was a flawless performance and it’s hard to think of a player more important to her country.

Mary Fowler-7

The Manchester City prodigy played much higher than previous caps in what was essentially a number 9 role alongside Sam Kerr, and it went pretty well. Her speed caused some problems for the Lioness defense but missed a chance to freeze the game with a third goal late.

Cortnee Vine (sub) – 6.5

Another with a potentially concerning injury, following a calf scare late in the game. Vine replaced Yallop as she went down and provided good speed as usual. Another brilliant through ball for Kerr in the second half, although the skipper’s shot sailed wide.

Other subscriptions with limited minutes: Clare Wheeler, Alex Chidiac, Courtney Nevin.

England

Mary Earps – 6

Didn’t have much to do but got a little stitched up by the disappointing Lioness defense. Neither goal was her fault.

Lucy Bronze – 6.5

Couldn’t exert much influence on offense, but was strong on defense and won some important challenges. Maybe played a touch too high at times, but fought bravely.

Leah Williamson-4

Four might even be a little generous to the usually solid English skipper, who Kerr had an absolutely awful night. There wasn’t much anticipation, the pressure from the Aussie proved too great – forcing several fouls – and was directly involved in both goals – although of course the first was the worst. A night to quickly forget for the captain, but she will undoubtedly bounce back. At least made for a decent long range pass.

Esme Morgan – 5

Also had a bit of a torrid time with Kerr. Raso couldn’t reel in some crucial mistakes and she ripped away from Walsh’s mistake. Looked a bit nervous and shaky the whole game. Not her best.

Jess Carter – 7.5

One of England’s better players, Carter was strong at left full-back and combined very well with Lauren James down the wing as the latter came on. Was eventually eliminated from the match but showed good energy and perseverance for England.

Georgia Stanway – 7

A great performance from the midfielder. Stanway provided some good passes into the penalty area that the forwards couldn’t make use of, and had an absolute shot just wide in the closing moments. Did a force of work thwarting the Matildas as well, with some big tackles.

Keira Walsh – 4.5

A shock from the Barca star. Her appalling pass almost gave Australia a goal early and never really recovered. The extreme pressure from the Matildas forced her into some uncharacteristic fouls and failed to provide the brilliance she usually provides in attack.

Ella Toone – 5

Dropped out in the second half after not having much influence on the game. The Manchester United midfielder made a few (again unusual) mistakes before being put out of her misery and taking an early bath.

Lauren Hemp – 6.5

Was probably the team’s best player in the 25 minutes she was in the park. Nearly set up a goal in the first few minutes and was really the only player to provide spark. She had a black eye, appeared to be somewhat dizzy, and was submerged early.

Alessia Russo-7

Started very strong, but faded as the game progressed and the delivery quality dried up. Forced Arnold into a save with a good shot in the first half and was a commanding presence in attack. She just didn’t get enough chances thanks to the pressured midfield and defense.

Chloe Kelly – 6.5

Sent a stack of crosses in the box, although not many were effective. Kept trying all night and was good in the second half, but not enough of her passes found the target.

Lauren James (sub) – 6

Substitute Hemp on the left wing, and while she paired well with Carter, she didn’t have the clout we would normally expect from her. Tried very hard in defense and snuffed out some dangerous Matildas passes, but didn’t offer much in attack.

Rachel Daly (sub) – 6

Came on for Toone in the 60th minute, and came very close in the 72nd minute with a header from a bronze cross.

Sub with limited minutes: Jesse Park.