Beating England is overrated: Ange
It was one of the most famous and memorable wins in Socceroos history - but a repeat won't mean anywhere near as much as it used to, according to coach Ange Postecoglou.
Australia will take on England for the first time in 13 years when they meet in a high-profile and long-awaited friendly clash at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on May 27.
The last time they met, Tony Popovic, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton all scored as the Socceroos, described by the English press as "football pygmies", claimed an upset 3-1 victory at Upton Park in February 2003 - a result Australian soccer hung its hat on for many years.
Back then, Perth Glory were National Soccer League champions, Australia was still in the Oceania confederation, and most members of the 23-man squad Postecoglou named on Wednesday were still in high school.
But times have changed - and these days, Postecoglou believes getting excited about wins in friendlies is "stuff of a bygone era" for the sport.
"I think our football's progressed since then," he said.
"Hopefully we're past trying to get feathers in caps in friendlies. A feather in our cap would be to beat a team like England at a World Cup.
"If we don't see ourselves as a credible football nation now... (we never will).
"Friendly games should be used to make sure we're continuing to progress the nation so when we get to the real stuff, World Cups, we can challenge anyone in the world."
As much as Postecoglou played down what any result might mean, the experience itself will still be invaluable for his players.
A full house of 49,000 is expected, with Roy Hodgson's England preparing for their Euro 2016 opener against Russia on June 11.
"The players are excited by it, for sure, because it's a great fixture," he said.
"We obviously take a very keen interest in the Premier League here as a nation so all the players will be familiar to everyone.
"(But) whenever you play these games, the worst thing you can do is worry about whose shirt you're going to get after the game."
