Unprecedented depth will give Matildas edge: Ellie Carpenter

The Matildas have struggled at major tournaments and are not respected enough in Europe, but a star says that is set to change.

Matildas fullback Ellie Carpenter says the team deserves more respect in Europe, which it can earn at the World Cup. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

Star fullback Ellie Carpenter says the Matildas are still considered “underdogs” in European football circles, but the World Cup will enhance the side’s reputation.

Only 23 years old but already a Matildas veteran of 61 caps heading into her second World Cup, Carpenter says the Australians are still underrated overseas but can change perceptions quickly when they take “the strongest squad in Matildas history” into the tournament.

The pacy defender said the Matildas’ unprecedented depth in key positions would hold them in good stead when proceedings begin later this month, while she thought her club teammates at French powerhouse Lyon were slowly starting to acknowledge the threat the team presents.

She said the 2-0 dismantling of England in an April friendly, which snapped the Lionesses’ 30-game unbeaten streak, had turned the tide of opinion.

Ellie Carpenter is only 23 but one of 15 Matildas playing at their second consecutive World Cup along with veterans Clare Polkinghorne (left), goalkeeper Lydia Williams and Sam Kerr. Picture: Dean Lewins / AAP

“I think (to Europeans) we’re underdogs I would say, but after that win against England, I think we have a new-found respect,” Carpenter said.

“Especially when I went back to my club, I think everyone was a bit shocked. I didn’t say much, I just kept my mouth shut.

“I think people are a bit wary of us now, especially at home, and I think after that win against England we’re kind of on people’s radars.”

Carpenter, now fully fit after tearing her ACL 14 months ago, said she was excited by a surge in competition for spots after a lack of options and pressure on starting players might have been a handbrake on the Matildas trying to go deep into previous tournaments.

Her injury opened the door for Charli Grant to grow into a trusted starter at right-back in Carpenter’s absence after the Matildas had no genuine back-up for her at the 2019 World Cup.

Charli Grant thrived at right-back while Carpenter was out injured and will provide crucial depth for the Matildas at the World Cup. Picture: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images

“You never really have that problem of picking a squad of 23, and I think (coach Tony Gustavsson) had that problem this World Cup,” she said.

“We never had that (depth) … we never had anyone knocking on anyone’s positions. We want three, four or five people that are knocking on my position.

“I think this is the strongest squad we have had in the history of the Matildas and their World Cup campaigns.”

Carpenter was buoyant about the prospects of the sport receiving a post-tournament bounce in Australia after observing what the 2022 women’s Euros did for the English game after the hosts won the championship.

“I think women’s football in Europe is on another level … after the Euros in England, you saw what that’s done to that country and that league, and I think that’s only a glimpse of what we will see here in Australia hopefully after the World Cup,” she said.

“I think the A-League will expand, get more traction and hopefully inspire more young girls to start coming, and that’s one of mine and the team’s goals – to leave a legacy.

“That would be the best thing … if a girl picks up a ball and shoes after this tournament.”