The half-time rev-up that spurred Matildas saviour Polkinghorne

Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has revealed how a stern half-time chat with captain Clare Polkinghorne helped inspire her incredible late equaliser in Australia's unlikely 1-1 draw with England.

Polkinghorne out jumped three England defenders to score the dramatic goal with only six minutes left to help the Matildas claim avoid defeat against the world number three ranked Lionesses.

While the veteran centre-back proved to be the woman of the moment, Stajcic told SBS it was a very different story going into the interval.

"Funnily enough we (Matildas coaching staff) had a few words with Clare at half time," Stajcic said.

"We nearly conceded because she allowed Steph Houghton (England captain) to get a free header just before the break which was fortunately cleared off the line.

"I guess she went into the second half a bit angry and really attacked the ball well which was evident with the goal.

"Clare has popped up to score for us many times before in key moments and she has great quality at set pieces."

Polkinghorne admitted the Matildas struggled in the opening stages but praised the fighting spirit of her teammates to put her in a position to score the crucial goal.

"We were very slow to start and kept giving away the ball cheaply which proved costly," Polkinghorne said.

"The second half was much improved and we really started to play out a bit more which helped give the midfield more time on the ball to create chances.

"The cross from KK (Kellond-Knight) was perfect and I know she really prides herself on providing really good set-pieces. 

"Sometimes they can be a game changer which can help you get back into a match or even win.

"It was a great feeling when i saw the ball hit the back of the net. I don't score too often so to score in a stadium like this and against opposition like England is something I'll remember."

The Houston Dash and Brisbane Roar defender was confident Australia's performances against France and England are proof they're on the right track heading into next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

"It's a good yardstick to test where we're at and highlights what we need to work on moving forward," Polkinghorne said.

"Leading into a World Cup year these are the type of teams we will need to beat if we are to win the tournament.

"There has been good improvement over the past two matches which is very promising because there is a lot you only learn when you play the top sides."

The Matildas will return home later this week ahead of the start of the W-League season on October 25 (LIVE coverage of the W-League on SBS VICELAND starts on October 28).

Australia's next matches are set for November when they take on Chile in a two-game series in Newcastle and Penrith (both games LIVE, FREE and in HD on SBS / SBS VICELAND).