Ollie Watkins marked his return to the England side with the winner as Gareth Southgate’s side overcame Australia in a friendly at Wembley.
Aston Villa striker Watkins turned in Jack Grealish’s shot from almost on the goalline just before the hour in one of the few positive moments in a largely undistinguished England display.
Watkins made amends for hitting the post with a good chance in the first half as Australia paid the price for not taking advantage of several opportunities before the break.
In a game which saw Stephanie Frappart become the first female referee to take charge of a men’s international at Wembley, England were fortunate not to be behind at half-time.
Sam Johnstone, given his chance in goal, saved well from Keanu Baccus while Mitchell Duke volleyed inches wide and Lewis Dunk cleared off the line from Ryan Strain.
Australia also wasted a good chance to level late on when Connor Metcalfe hit the post with a header as England secured a morale-boosting win before Tuesday’s Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy at Wembley.
