Ollie Watkins showed his return to the England team with the winner as Gareth Southgate’s squad overcame Australia in a friendly at Wembley.

During an England match marked by a generally unremarkable performance, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins managed to make an impact. 

He turned in a shot from Jack Grealish from nearly on the goalline just before the hour, providing one of the few positive moments in the game.

Making Amends for Missed Opportunity

Watkins, who had a good chance but hit the post in the first half, made amends with his goal. This moment of redemption added a silver lining to an otherwise lackluster display by the England team.

Australia’s Missed Opportunities

Australia had their share of opportunities in the game, and they ultimately paid the price for not converting them. The first half saw several promising moments for the Australian side, which they were unable to capitalize on.

Historic Moment with Stephanie Frappart

This game had a historic element as Stephanie Frappart became the first female referee to officiate a men’s international match at Wembley. 

Her presence marked a significant milestone in the world of football, emphasizing the sport’s progress towards inclusivity.

Fortunate England at Half-time

England was fortunate not to be trailing at halftime, as goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was called into action, making a crucial save against Keanu Baccus. 

Additionally, Mitchell Duke came close with a volley that narrowly missed the target, and Lewis Dunk made a vital clearance off the line from Ryan Strain, preventing Australia from taking the lead.

In this match, Watkins’ goal and the historic moment created by Stephanie Frappart’s presence were among the standout features in an otherwise unimpressive England performance, while Australia missed opportunities that might have turned the tide in their favor.