England face China – Women's Friendly International
Preamble
Welcome everyone to the exhibition match between England and the Chinese squad at the iconic Wembley. The match is set to be a thriller with the reigning European champions facing the current Asian Cup champions.
England’s national stadium is packed for the occasion, which will see Fran Kirby recognized pre-match after her departure from the England squad before the European Championship this past summer.
Lineup details will be shared imminently, but there was a late 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 unavailable, it will be intriguing to observe who the Lionesses' coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are incoming before the opening whistle at 17:30 GMT.
Squad Updates
The team news is in. Anna Moorhouse starts in goal for England in the non-presence of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
The Lionesses: Moorhouse, Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Le Tissier, Morgan, Mead, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Hemp.
Reserves: 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 post it.
Captaincy Update
Keira Walsh is captaining the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. These were her comments before this clash:
Walsh takes lead role as England face new test in clash of continental champions.
First Cap News
Tonight’s game will be Anna Moorhouse’s first appearance for England. She featured in the Euro-winning side who won this past summer, but she did not feature with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Recent Action
The opening match of the women’s Nations League final was held yesterday; review all of the events:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Real-Time Coverage
Live feed from the match will continue with major incidents and current information as the match proceeds.
