Forget the ‘old rivalry’, Matildas-Lionesses are breaking new ground

“The Matildas and the Lionesses have both been magnificent, on and off the field, in their journeys to this point,” writes Vicki Treadell.

Tonight, millions of people from Melbourne to Manchester will join nearly eighty thousand at Sydney’s Stadium Australia via TV and digital channels, fervently wishing for their team to advance to the glory of a World Cup Final.

The Matildas and the Lionesses have both been magnificent, on and off the field, in their journeys to this point. Women for all of us to be proud of, and role models for girls, and boys, worldwide. They will carry the hopes of their nations into Stadium Australia with them. This isn’t a battle, as some have cast it, between old enemies. Rather a match between the greatest of friends who will be competitive in pursuit of a prize both want but only one will realise.

The Lionesses entered the tournament as European Champions, exceeding previous England milestones in a Women’s World Cup to reach this Semi Finals. The Matildas have surpassed the stellar performance of the Socceroos at the recent Men’s World Cup, going further in the Women’s World Cup tournament than any senior Australian football side in history.

Sam Kerr has said that as a 12-year-old, she aspired to play AFL.

For the sake of England’s chances, it’s a shame AFLW wasn’t an option that time. However, and without wishing to denigrate Australia’s great game, I suspect she’s happy she ended up choosing the world game that has seen the girl from Western Australia become a Chelsea icon in West London.

Football offers up unparalleled opportunities for global stardom. From Kerr at Chelsea, to Mary Fowler at Manchester City, and now Hayley Raso at Real Madrid, the best Australian talent has burst beyond these borders to become global stars.

Of the Matildas squad, ten members play in England’s Women’s Super League, and I would not be surprised to see this grow following Australia’s outstanding performances.

Many of the Australian and England players are teammates in the English league. To borrow a descriptor from State of Origin, for many on the field tonight, it’s not enemies so much as mate against mate.

Matildas celebrate winning the FIFA Womens World Cup Quarter final match between against France at Brisbane Stadium. Picture Lachie Millard

The close on-field links have extended off the field, contributing to the positive atmosphere between so-called rival fans. Over 12,000 tickets were purchased by fans from England, with support further bolstered by numerous expats and locals with English roots.

Remarkably, given the sheer numbers involved – and, perhaps at risk of tempting fate – I’m proud to note that so far there have been no incidents involving England supporters that require consular intervention.

I’ve attended every Lionesses game and have had the honour of mingling with our exceptional travelling supporters as they’ve made friends, memories, and more than a few publicans very happy. The fans, both those travelling and those who call Australia home, have been exemplary representatives of their nation and reflect the tone of this tournament. Proud of their team, yes, but nothing but positive in their interactions and praise for the opposition where they have equally admired skill and talent while cheering on their own. Indeed this tournament has shown the positive nature of competition, guided by rules and respect.

This tournament has transformed perceptions of what women can achieve given equal opportunity. It has not only inspired women and girls across every continent, but men and boys too.

The beautiful game, as football is sometimes referred to, has been just that with players showing not just their passion but compassion too on the field. Indeed a generosity of spirit exemplified in moments like the one where Sam Kerr gave her shirt to a young fan and made her day, or gestures like the Lionesses donation of $300k worth of training equipment to the Central Coast Mariners, where they have had their training base for the tournament.

Millie Bright and Sam Kerr of Chelsea kiss the Barclays Women's Super League trophy after the team's victory during the FA Women's Super League match.

It’s that positive vibe that has lifted us all. It has attracted England football legends like Ian Wright and Jill Scott to join events staged in Brisbane and Sydney by the Free Lionesses England supporters group. Despite being swarmed by admirers, they graciously engaged with everyone, proving that great players can always find space.

In the diplomatic world, harnessing these moments is often described as ‘soft power’, but the power of these connections goes beyond just the sporting field. I recently hosted the 2023 awarding of the UK’s Charlie Perkins Scholarship, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians who show promise in their academic pursuits and community leadership. This scholarship facilitates full-time postgraduate studies in the UK at Oxford and Cambridge. These scholarships are named after the great Aboriginal activist Charlie Perkins. It was football that took a young Perkins to Britain, his football skill had caught the attention of my club, Liverpool, and he travelled there for trials. Perkins even played a match for Everton B against Manchester United, but it was a friendly game against Oxford University during his time in England that had a lasting impact.

Charlie Perkins holding his Order of Australia Medal.

He would later credit walking through the grounds of Oxford University as inspiration for seeking university education on his return to Australia, becoming the first Indigenous person to graduate from university.

As we gear up for the match, let’s remember our shared love of the beautiful game, our longstanding ties and partnership. Rivalries are a part of sports, but they should never overshadow the spirit of sportsmanship, sense of national pride, unity and values that bind us as peoples and as nations.

Win or lose, I’m looking forward to an amazing contest. If the Lionesses do not prevail, I will back the Matildas for the final. However, I hope you will forgive me if I simply state that I hope that will not be necessary.

Vicki Treadell is the UK High Commissioner to Australia