England take on the Chinese team – Women’s Friendly Match
Preamble
Welcome everyone to the non-competitive match between England and the Chinese squad at the iconic Wembley. This promises to be an exciting contest with the current Euro titleholders competing against the holders of the Asian Cup title.
The home of English football is sold-out for the occasion, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her departure from the England squad before the Euro tournament this past summer.
Squad announcements will be shared imminently, but there was a last minute squad update for England. On Friday, Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a minor injury, and so former number one Ellie Roebuck has been called up.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be intriguing to observe who head coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are coming up before the opening whistle at 5.30pm GMT.
Squad Updates
The lineups have been announced. Anna Moorhouse will be the goalkeeper for England in the non-presence of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
England's starting eleven: Moorhouse, Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Le Tissier, Morgan, Mead, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Hemp.
Substitutes: Hings, Baggaley, Kendall, Wubben-Moy, Beever-Jones, Kelly, Kearns, Park, Blindkilde Brown, Roebuck, Clinton, Denton, Fisk, Godfrey.
Details are being sought for China’s team news now; once it is available, I will share it.
Skipper News
Keira Walsh is serving as captain for the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still injured. She shared these thoughts before this encounter:
Walsh steps up as England meet fresh challenge in battle of continental titleholders.
Maunch Appearance
The upcoming fixture will be Anna Moorhouse’s debut for England. She featured in the European Championship squad who won this past summer, but she remained on the bench with Hannah Hampton in the first-choice keeper position.
Previous Match Recap
The first leg of the Women’s Nations League title decider was held yesterday; review all of the highlights:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll stops Germany, leaving final outcome open.
Real-Time Coverage
Live feed from the match will continue with key events and timely updates as the match proceeds.
