With just four days to recover from their draining penalty shootout win over France, the Matildas are focused on getting their bodies and minds right to face England, rather than drilling tactics.
"What is good is that we have continuity with what we are doing and clear playing styles," coach Tony Gustavsson said."It is more about making sure we are mentally and physically prepared for the semifinal coming up. These players are on a mission."
The backline of Alanna Kennedy, Clare Hunt, Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter, as well as Gorry, Caitlin Foord and Kyra Cooney-Cross have played at least 476 minutes of a possible 480.Hayley Raso and Emily van Egmond have also been busy, while Sam Kerr played 65 of her 75 minutes to date against France., when Mary Fowler was concussed in a training clash with substitute defender Aivi Luik, and after that game, when Emily van Egmond replaced Cortnee Vine.
England only needed 90 minutes to complete a 2-1 comeback win over Colombia but previously went to penalties against Nigeria.Only Alex Greenwood and Millie Bright have played every minute but Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway and Rachel Daly have also carried significant loads. Like the Matildas, England's Lionesses have played four standard matches and one tense penalty shootout.Catley, who appeared to be slowing late in the France clash and missed her penalty in the shootout, had a compression bandage on her right thigh upon arrival in Sydney on Sunday.Catley hailed and backed her team's fitness and commitment.
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