No Sam Kerr for Matildas' Euro tour

Coach Alen Stajcic’s side will take on France in Saint-Etienne and England in London in early October, but key stars including Kerr have apparently been rested for the friendlies.

Kerr's schedule has been intense for the past year with Matildas duties plus W-League and NWSL demands at club level.

Hayley Raso is also out while she recovers from her broken back, while Emily van Egmond also misses the trip.

However Lisa De Vanna headlines the announced squad as she lines up to earn her 141^st international cap and will be looking to add to her impressive tally of 45 international goals.

Also included is Clare Polkinghorne, who may join Matildas great Joanne Peters on 110 caps, and Elise Kellond-Knight, who could become just the seventh Matilda to feature in 100 international matches.

Stajcic said the squad will be missing some senior players in Europe, and therefore the camp will provide some of Australia’s emerging national team players with invaluable experience ahead of next year’s Women’s World Cup. 

“I am excited by the opportunity we have to develop the depth within our team during next month’s camp and am confident that this squad has the ability to challenge France in Saint-Etienne, and the Lionesses in London,” Stajcic said. 

“With some established Matildas not available for selection, our October matches will give us a great opportunity to test other players in what will be a challenging environment.

“Our next camp will also give the players, as well as our staff, the opportunity to prepare for various situations and challenges that may arise during next year’s World Cup.

“October represents an important period for the Westfield Matildas as we continue our progress towards next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as November’s home matches against Chile in Penrith and Newcastle.”

Eighteen year-old Western Sydney Wanderers goalkeeper Jada Mathyssen-Whyman could make her senior international debut during the two-match tour, while Princess Ibini (three caps), Amy Sayer (one cap), and Mary Fowler (one cap) are amongst some of the emerging Matildas who will gain some valuable game time against strong opposition at international level.


Westfield Matildas 18-player squad for October international friendlies vs. France (Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne) and England (Craven Cottage, London)