Australia eye clash with rivals England

Newly appointed Australia coach Holger Osieck Tuesday targeted a high-profile friendly with traditional rivals England when the European powerhouses visit Asia next June.

Osieck has already set up a friendly with Germany in March and is on the hunt for more top-level opposition for the Socceroos after their crushing group-level exit from this year’s World Cup.

Osieck, Germany’s former assistant coach, took the reins from Dutchman Pim Verbeek last month with a brief to reinvigorate the ageing Socceroos, and said England was in his sights.

“To play England would be a great opportunity to add another decent name to the line of opponents that we will take in order to get to the top international standard,” Osieck told reporters.

“It’s always good to get quality opponents because that helps your team develop and get a good feeling for the demands of top international level.”

England will play a Euro 2012 match against Switzerland next June before travelling to Bangkok for a friendly with Thailand — a prime opportunity for a clash with Australia.

Japan and South Korea are also reported to be under consideration.