The Matildas are on the brink of being exposed as a national favourite based on little more than public hope, as opposed to a team that has actually earned the support and status.

This team has caused a stir by leaving one of football’s oldest clubs to go out on their own. But the players say they’re fighting for the betterment of women’s sport.

For the rest of the 2024/25 season, Mikel Arteta's bi-weekly headache will almost always revolve around who to deploy at ...