It's been 12 years since Lydia Williams first pulled on the gloves for the first time at a World Cup. But if playing in front of 30,000 fans was surreal in 2007, it's nothing compared to what the Matildas will face next month in France.
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The 31-year-old Canberran was one of three veterans named in Ante Milicic's 23-player squad last week with Lisa De Vanna and Clare Polkinghorne also earning their fourth selection.
Williams never imagined they'd head to France together in 2019 after three World Cups and 340 caps between them.
"It's crazy, I never would have thought in 2007 that this would be my fourth," Williams said.
"But I'm definitely glad to be here. It's kind of surreal."
Women's football in Australia has evolved enormously since Williams made her World Cup debut in China. With the likes of Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter and teen protege Mary Fowler in the mix, the goalkeeper believes the Matildas have struck the perfect balance between youth and experience to reach their maiden World Cup final.
"Women's football has come a long way," Williams said.
"I definitely think in the last two years it has developed in a way that not many saw coming.
"But the experiences from my previous World Cups with people like Alicia Ferguson, Cheryl Salisbury, Di Alagich, and then the youth and talent that we had growing up to now the mature players is definitely going to help our road leading into this campaign."
The veteran goalkeeper hopes her contribution to the Matildas will help pave the way for the next generation of young footballers.
"For me it's about leaving my mark in any way, shape or form that's possible and hopefully inspiring the younger generations whether they're goalkeepers, players or indigenous people to come play the game," Williams said.
"I'm happy to share my knowledge and I just want to perform at my best for my team and country."
The Matildas will kick off their 2019 World Cup campaign against Italy on Sunday, June 9 at the Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes.
