'Disappointing to lose': Gallant Socceroos go down 1-0 to England at Wembley
The Socceroos fell short in their bid to emulate their upset win over England 20 years ago, going down 1-0 at Wembley Stadium.
In front of more than 81,000 fans, the Socceroos were competitive in the first half, but a second-half goal from Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins broke the game open, with the home side doing enough to hang on in the dying moments.
Australia came agonisingly close to equalising in the 80th minute when midfielder Connor Metcalfe hit the post with a header.
Ollie Watkins of England shoots past Maty Ryan of Australia. Getty
But that was the closest the Socceroos came to closing the gap against England who benched a host of top players – including star striker Harry Kane and in-form Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Socceroos coach Graham Arnold said he was satisfied with his side's performance.
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"We created chances, we did very well … it's just disappointing to lose," Arnold told Network 10.
The Socceroos next take on New Zealand, which is also being played in London. While England has a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.
