Carpenter, who struck in our Women's Super League victory over London City Lionesses and our Champions League draw with Barcelona, was named in Joe Montemurro's starting XI for the clash in New South Wales. Sam Kerr was among the Australia substitutes.

The home side established a two-goal lead by the half-time interval, as Amy Sayer and Hayley Raso found the net for the Matildas.

New Zealand displayed some resolve in the second period but, with 20 minutes to play, Carpenter, Chelsea Women's Player of the Month for November, netted with an effort from just inside the 18-yard box.

Kyra Cooney-Cross followed up with Australia's fourth a minute later, and West Ham United midfielder Katrina Gorry added a fifth in stoppage time to complete the rout. Kerr was an unused substitute on this occasion.

Australia will face New Zealand for a second time on Tuesday 2 December. Kick-off is scheduled for 9.30am UK time.

There was international action at youth level on Thursday, as England Under-23 side faced Norway at the Joie Stadium in Manchester. Chelsea goalkeeper Katie Cox, currently on loan at Aberdeen, kept a clean sheet as the young Lionesses registered a 1-0 win thanks to a goal from London City's Isobel Goodwin.

Having been called up to the Under-23 side to replace the injured Megan Collett, 16-year-old Chelsea winger Chloe Sarwie came on as a 72nd-minute substitute during the 1-0 victory. Lexi Potter was an unused substitute.

In Spain, Blues forward Lois Shooter started for England Under-20s in a friendly against China PR and scored after 17 minutes as Lauren Smith's side recorded a 2-1 victory in the first of three matches set to be held at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia.