England take on China – Women’s Friendly Match
Preamble
Welcome everyone to the exhibition game between England and China at Wembley Stadium. This promises to be an exciting contest with the reigning European champions competing against the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is sold-out for the match, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her international retirement before the Euros this past summer.
Lineup details 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 slight knock, and so former number one Ellie Roebuck has been added to the squad.
With Hannah Hampton injured, it will be intriguing to observe who head coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are on the way before the opening whistle at 5.30pm GMT.
Lineup Announcements
The team news is in. Anna Moorhouse will be the goalkeeper for England in the unavailability 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.
Details are being sought for the Chinese lineup 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 encounter:
Walsh steps up as England meet fresh challenge in battle of continental titleholders.
First Cap News
The upcoming fixture will be Anna Moorhouse’s first appearance for England. She was a part of the Euro-winning side who won this past summer, but she remained on the bench with Hannah Hampton in the first-choice keeper position.
Recent Action
The initial encounter of the Women’s Nations League title decider occurred yesterday; review all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Cata Coll of Spain thwarts Germany, ensuring final remains undecided.
Real-Time Coverage
Live feed from the match will continue with major incidents and current information as the match proceeds.
