This was not something that went unnoticed for Catley.

“It was really difficult at times and that’s something we’re usually really good. We’re usually very good down the wings and stopping other teams because we have a lot of pace and strength out there.

“This was something pretty new for us. We knew England had a lot of pace and a lot of power down those sides. But I think they’re like that all over the field. They’re class and have a lot of good players that are powerful and smart, and they played a lot of good football. It’s a big learning curve for our young players and for us going into a World Cup, it’s invaluable.”

Despite not even being 25 yet, Catley is arguably one of the veterans of the Australia side, with 69 caps already to her name.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Game day vs 🇫🇷. Excited to be back at it with the gyals 💛💚

A post shared by Stephanie Catley (@stephcatley) on

With the exception of the Algarve Cup, its rare the Matildas make it over to Europe, and the Seattle Reign defender was keen to stress the importance of the trip for the young players in the squad – a crop that are very different to the young players she progressed through the system with.

“This is probably one of the hardest places you’re going to play - England in England. It’s an amazing experience for them to come up against such amazing players.

“They’re technical players and Mary (Fowler) might only be 15, but she’s built and she has confidence. They’re a different breed to what we’ve had in the past. We’ve had good young players, but we were skinny, fast little kids.

“The experiences are vital. The earlier you have them and learn from them, the better you’ll be in the future. So it’s amazing for them and it’s amazing for our squad with the depth coming through.”

If Catley can stay fit, she will no doubt join an illustrious list of names in the next few years of having played 100 times for her country. Against England, Elise Kellond-Knight earned her century and captained the side in London.

Catley, was full of praise for her teammate.

“She’s such a class player and a class person too, a great leader for us.

“Just a cool calm and collected head all the time and a great human. One hundred caps for your country is a big deal and we’re all really proud of her.”