Matildas FIFA World Cup 2023: Manchester City star Laura Coombs praises Mary Fowler

Mary Fowler may struggle for minutes at the World Cup, but the matchwinner in the send-off game against France has received some huge praise from a Manchester City veteran.

With the likes of Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord in top form football prodigy Mary Fowler is going to be battling for minutes this World Cup – but Manchester City teammate Laura Coombs has her pegged as a “star”.

Fans got a taste of what Fowler can do in the send-off match against France when she made a perfectly timed run and slotted a ball past the keeper to score the Matildas only goal of the game.

It was something Kerr, Foord, Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine had all tried to do in the first half and failed.

Coombs, talking at the Lionesses camp at the Sunshine Coast, plays alongside Fowler, Alanna Kennedy and Steph Catley at Manchester City.

Fowler after scoring the winning goal during the International Friendly match against France. Picture: Getty Images

“I love them, and I know what they do on a day-to-day basis. They are such good athletes, they are really strong and technical as well,” Coombs said.

Fowler, 20, has struggled for minutes in her first WSL season, due to the high quality players at the club.

“She has got so much potential, she’s both footed, she’s so strong, fast, technical. If she can keep building I think she’s going to be a real star in the future.”

Coombs had much fewer words about super striker Kerr.

“She is Sam Kerr, she only needs one opportunity, that’s all I’ll say on her,” Coombs said.

The World Cup is extra special for Coombs, who had been out of the Lionesses squad since 2017.

“It’s amazing, I’ve enjoyed every minute and I just think the training sessions and the highs and lows I’ve had in my career have all been worth it,” the 32-year-old said.

England's midfielder Laura Coombs (2R) plays with a few of the Matildas players at Manchester City. Picture: Ben Stansall / AFP

“You work your whole career for moments like this and now I’m here I really want to grab it with two hands and make the most of the experience.”

Depending on how the pieces fall England and Australia could face off in the Round of 16.

Last time the two sides met, in a pre-Cup friendly, Australia walked away winners 2-0 – ending England’s 30 game unbeaten streak.

“They have a really strong solid play,” Coombs said of the Matildas.

“They’re really clever counter attack and they’ve got pace all over their team, we are most possession based so our styles sort of clash a little bit, it’s always a really good game.

“The last game we played against them we definitely didn’t play our best game but they made the most of every opportunity.”

Originally published as Matildas FIFA World Cup 2023: Manchester City star Laura Coombs praises Mary Fowler