Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Charlize Rule is pushing for more Matildas minutes as Australia prepare to face Mexico on Saturday night at Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium, just days after her Brighton and Hove Albion side lost the English Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley.

The 23-year-old defender was part of Dario Vidosic’s Brighton and Hove Albion team beaten 4-0 by Manchester City, whose squad included Matildas star Mary Fowler, but she has arrived in national camp with clear focus.

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Rule Takes Wembley Lesson Into Matildas Camp

“Playing at Wembley, finishing the season there, was such an amazing experience,” Rule said.

“It was very special, and even though the result didn’t go our way, I felt like we played some really good football, and coming off that straight into (Matildas) camp, it’s nice, and I’m feeling ready for this camp and want to finish the season on a high.”

Rule has six Matildas caps and is aiming to add to that tally against Mexico. The two-game series continues on Tuesday night at Sydney’s CommBank Stadium.

Mexico Series Offers World Cup Test

The former Sydney FC player said her season in the Women’s Super League had helped prepare her for the pace and standard of international football.

“Brighton has been great for me with playing in the WSL (Women’s Super League) lots this season against quality sides and a lot of good players,” the 23-year-old former Sydney FC star said.

“I’m learning a lot at the moment, and I’m taking in as much as I can, and being in this (Matildas) squad is special, and I feel like I’m ready now.

“I feel like it’s easy to play in this team with the players, with the quality around me, so I will definitely, if needed, be ready to play and do my best.

“The quality in this team is definitely pushing me, and I’m getting better every camp.”

Rule said Mexico would give Australia a strong test before next year’s World Cup, with official Matildas updates available through Football Australia.

“They look like a really good side, so it will be a good test. It's nice to get experience all around the world and play different teams leading into a World Cup (next year),” Rule said.

“A World Cup would be amazing, but there’s still a lot of work for me to do to secure a spot. I will do everything I can to get there, but these games coming up are massive.

“It’s the start of a journey, and we can’t wait.”