Fowler’s strong club form had made her a likely focal point for Joe Montemurro’s plans. Her ability to receive between the lines, carry the ball into advanced areas and create chances gives Australia a different attacking dimension.
That absence matters particularly against Germany. The report lists the European side as third in the world rankings, meaning Australia are likely to face sustained pressure and fewer opportunities to build patiently. Without Fowler, the Matildas may need more width, quicker combinations and greater movement from their forwards.
Davidson’s inclusion gives Montemurro another midfielder, but the report lists the Charlton player as having four caps, underlining the gap in international experience between the replacement and the player missing.
Rather than replacing Fowler directly, Davidson could help preserve midfield control while another established attacker moves into a higher position. Cooney-Cross’ absence makes that decision more significant: Australia may need a deeper midfield structure to progress the ball, or a more direct approach to bypass Germany’s pressure.
The report lists Haiti as 47th in the world and identifies Melchie Dumornay as their principal threat. That creates a contrasting test. Germany should challenge Australia’s circulation and defensive discipline, while Haiti’s pace in transition will demand protection behind the ball.
Those different matchups give Montemurro a useful window into his squad’s depth. The update describes the fixtures as an opportunity to assess alternatives before next year’s World Cup, and Fowler’s absence makes that examination more urgent.
Australia’s next performances against Germany and Haiti will show whether the Matildas can maintain attacking variety without Fowler and midfield control without Cooney-Cross.