Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
AAP
AAP
Sport
Anna Harrington

Big guns return as Matildas call up teen goalkeeper

Mary Fowler has been named in the Matildas squad for friendlies against Mexico. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Fresh off claiming Women's Super League glory with Manchester City, Mary Fowler will return to the Matildas squad on a high for June friendlies against Mexico.

Dynamic playmaker Fowler will be joined by Chelsea defender Ellie Carpenter, who is set to notch her 100th cap, after both missed games against Malawi and Kenya.

Sam Kerr is also in the squad after playing her final game for Chelsea, while Steph Catley returns from a calf injury and her Arsenal teammate Caitlin Foord, currently on 148 caps, could notch the 150-game mark for Australia.

Ellie Carpenter
Ellie Carpenter is closing in on her 100th cap for the Matildas. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Kyra Cooney-Cross, who missed the end of Arsenal's season to spend time back home with her mother Jess, who has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer, is not in the squad.

Midfielder Katrina Gorry, who recently finished up with West Ham, is not included, nor are fellow veterans Tameka Yallop and Michelle Heyman or defenders Clare Hunt and Charli Grant.

Joe Montemurro has called up Adelaide United shot-stopper Ilona Melegh, 17, for her first camp after a standout A-League Women season.

Mackenzie Arnold and Chloe Lincoln are the other goalkeepers, with Teagan Micah sidelined and Jada Whyman taking a break from football.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Alana Murphy has been recalled.

The games will be a special occasion for Central Coast midfielder Isabel Gomez, who is of Mexican descent.

Australia play Mexico at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on June 6, then at CommBank Stadium three days later.

The world No.27-ranked team poses a significant step up as the Matildas ramp up preparations for next year's Women's World Cup.

"This window provides another important step for us as we continue building consistency and clarity in the way we want to play," Montemurro said.

Joe Montemurro and the Matildas.
Joe Montemurro and the Matildas are focused on the June friendlies against Mexico. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

"We've retained a strong core group, while also creating opportunities for players who have performed well at club level and are ready for experience in the international environment.

"Mexico will present a different challenge for us, and that's exactly what we need at this stage.

"Exposing the group to varied opposition and conditions is critical as we continue to grow, and we're looking forward to maximising our time together both on and off the pitch."

MATILDAS SQUAD: Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Isabel Gomez, Winonah Heatley, Alanna Kennedy, Sam Kerr, Chloe Lincoln (GK), Leticia McKenna, Holly McNamara, Ilona Melegh* (GK), Alana Murphy, Courtney Nevin, Jamilla Rankin, Hayley Raso, Charlie Rule, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey, Emily van Egmond, Clare Wheeler

* uncapped

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.