Socceroos to meet England in international abroad

Australia will face England in an international on 27 May at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, marking their first meeting in 13 years.

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The Socceroos will face a full strength England side, during their final preparations before the 2016 EURO champions, which will see the likes of Tim Cahill, Mat Ryan, Mile Jedinak and Mathew Leckie up against Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy and Jack Wilshere.

FFA chief executive David Gallop said the fixture represents a wonderful opportunity for the Socceroos.

“The Socceroos taking on England will be a special occasion for everyone and is especially exciting for Socceroos fans,” Gallop said.

“Ange and his team have played and matched it with some of the biggest nations in world football over recent years as Australian football and the Socceroos continue to grow on the world stage.

“The Socceroos is a team that unites the nation and this game will excite not just football fans but sports fans in general.”

Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou said the match would be a fantastic occasion for the players and present an indication of their development.

“We are excited to have secured this friendly against England as they are preparing for the 2016 European Championships,” Postecoglou said.

“We have stated that we want to continue progressing as a football nation so we can challenge the best teams in the world and England was strong in qualifying for the Euros.

“This is another opportunity for the players to step up against a big football nation and show that our journey to make an impact on world football is heading in the right direction. We will face England in their backyard and we will take the game to them so we have a guide as to how we are progressing.

“Australia against England is a massive part of the Australian sporting culture and it will be a fantastic opportunity for our players to experience that rivalry. It will be a special occasion.

“The clash with England, along with the two Greece games in Australia, gives us some great matches as we look ahead to the next round of World Cup Qualifying.”

The clash will be the seventh between the two sides since Australia first played England in 1980 with the Socceroos winning one match and drawing twice.

In their last match, the Socceroos defeated England 3-1 at London's Upton Park, in one of Australian football's most famous victories with Tony Popovic, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton finding the back of the net.