The Arsenal forward was involved from the word ‘go’, having three shots going close in fifteen minutes, with a left-footer just a few inches wide of the post. She then got booked for foul play having taken out an Australian player at full force.

She assisted Fran Kirby for the opener and then had another shot that resulted in a corner, and she was of course involved in the first controversial moment of the game when she did not get awarded a penalty, for the reason I have highlighted above.

Beth had a very good game and was praised by Phil Neville :

“She can play as a 7,9 or 11. She will get opportunities in November to try to claim a place. Nikita Parris and Toni Duggan are my number one wingers at the moment. Beth is always a goal threat with her speed”

The only small negative point was her early (deserved) booking and the fact that she carried on fouling from time to time throughout the game. With a “by the book” refereeing style, she could have ended up with a second booking for foul accumulation later in the game. But she was subbed and avoided any potential problem.

Australia are struggling when missing key players.

As expected Australia struggled against France and had to work very hard to rescue a draw against England. They certainly did better against England where they created many chances on the break, while they did not do as well against France.

The possession style from Les Bleues saw them dominate for most of the game, while the more direct Lionesses style with more transitions seems to fit better in the Australian gameplan.

It was clear that leaving five important players at home, left the Matildas a bit short of experience in certain areas and it allowed them to give youth a chance including a 15-year-old who did really well.

At the end of the day, these are the times to experiment and find backup solutions if someone from the first eleven is injured or suspended during the tournament. It also gives the coach clues on some options he tried during the games.

For example, Foord is not as good as a full-back as a forward. She struggled for most of the game against the English wingers and was involved in both penalty incidents. She’s lucky that her foul on Parris was not given, especially as the assistant referee was in close proximity.

The Matildas have had an excellent 2018 and will be contenders at the World Cup next year and I would not be surprised to see them reach the semi-finals in Lyon.