England face China – Female Friendly Fixture
Preamble
Greetings and welcome to the non-competitive game between the English side and China at the iconic Wembley. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the reigning European champions taking on the current Asian Cup champions.
The home of English football is packed for the event, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her retirement from the national team before the European Championship this past summer.
The team news will be shared imminently, but there was a last minute squad update for England. On Friday, the goalkeeper Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a slight knock, and so ex-first choice Ellie Roebuck has been added to the squad.
With Hannah Hampton unavailable, it will be interesting to see 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
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 the squad from China now; as soon as I have it, I will post it.
Captaincy Update
Keira Walsh is captaining the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. She shared these thoughts before this clash:
Walsh steps up as England meet fresh challenge in battle of continental titleholders.
Maunch Appearance
This evening’s match will be Anna Moorhouse’s first appearance for England. She featured in the Euros team who claimed victory this past summer, but she did not feature with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Recent Action
The initial encounter of the final of the Women’s Nations League was held yesterday; catch up with all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Real-Time Coverage
Real-time coverage from the match will proceed with major incidents and latest developments as the game progresses.
