Australia focused on long term picture ahead of New Zealand ties says West Ham’s Yallop | OneFootball

West Ham United midfielder Tameka Yallop says that the Australian national team are focused on the big picture and they are looking to build towards achieving long term goals in this month’s camp.

The Commonwealth Bank Matildas will face FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 co-hosts New Zealand in back-to-back matches in the coming days with Yallop being a member of head coach Tony Gustavsson’s 23-player group.

After failing to achieve success at last summer’s Olympic Games and at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 earlier this year, Australia’s focus has turned towards their preparations for a home FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. When speaking in a Football Australia Media press conference in camp, West Ham United midfielder Yallop said that Australia remain focused on the big picture.

“We’ve always got the big picture in mind,” she said. “We are collectively building, working on our game, our structures, our principles of play and the football that we want to play to.

“It’s always got the same focus, no matter who we are coming up against, it’s about performing and getting the results that we need. This is another opportunity to progress and come together as a team.”

Australian head coach Gustavsson has not been scared of bringing fresh faces into his squad during his time in charge of The Commonwealth Bank Matildas, he has put together a blend of experience and youth. Yallop went on to say that she feels challenged by the competition for places.

“It’s really competitive, we have got a really good environment with that,” Yallop said. “You might have some starters but you always have people pushing you which makes you better in-turn.

“We have the majority of the team playing overseas in different leagues which is really good and that kind of makes it even more competitive for us when we come into camp. Everyone is used to that high standard and professionalism so we have a really strong competitive environment.”

Yallop could collect her 104th senior cap for Australia when they face New Zealand in their first international friendly match in Townsville, Queensland on Friday.