Matildas squad named for Mexico friendlies with teen keeper included

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.

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.

Coach Joe Montemurro has called up Adelaide United shot-stopper Ilona Melegh, 17, for her first camp after a stand-out 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 plays Mexico at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle on June 6, then at Western Sydney Stadium three days later.

The world number 27-ranked Mexico 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.

"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

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