England v China – Women’s Friendly Match
Introduction
Greetings and welcome to the exhibition match between the English side and the Chinese squad at London’s Wembley. This promises to be an exciting contest with the reigning European champions facing the reigning Asia Cup winners.
The iconic Wembley is sold-out for the match, which will see Fran Kirby recognized pre-match after her retirement from the national team before the European Championship this past summer.
Squad announcements will be revealed soon, but there was a last minute squad update for England. On Friday, the goalkeeper Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a minor injury, and so former number one Ellie Roebuck has been added to the squad.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be notable to find out who the Lionesses' coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are incoming before the opening whistle at 5.30pm GMT.
Squad Updates
Squad details are now available. Anna Moorhouse is the starting keeper for England in the absence of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
England: 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.
We are awaiting China’s team news now; once it is available, I will provide the update.
Captaincy Update
Keira Walsh is captaining the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. These were her comments before this encounter:
Walsh takes lead role as England face new test in clash of continental champions.
Maunch Appearance
The upcoming fixture will be Anna Moorhouse’s maiden cap for England. She belonged to the Euros team who triumphed this past summer, but she did not play any minutes with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Recent Action
The first leg of the women’s Nations League final was held yesterday; review all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Cata Coll of Spain thwarts Germany, ensuring final remains undecided.
Match Updates
Live feed from the fixture will proceed with important moments and timely updates as the game progresses.
