England take on the Chinese team – Women’s Friendly Match
Introduction
Hello and welcome to the friendly match between England and China at the iconic Wembley. The match is set to be a thriller with the reigning European champions competing against the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is sold-out for the event, which will see the celebrated Fran Kirby honored pre-match after her departure from the England squad before the Euros this past summer.
Lineup details will be announced shortly, 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 previous starter 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. This information and additional developments are on the way before kick-off at 17:30 GMT.
Squad Updates
The team news is in. Anna Moorhouse is the starting keeper for England in the non-presence of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
England: Moorhouse, Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Le Tissier, Morgan, Mead, Stanway, Russo, Toone, Hemp.
Bench: 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; when it comes through, I will provide the update.
Skipper News
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still injured. She shared these thoughts before this encounter:
Walsh assumes captaincy as England confront new hurdle in meeting of continental winners.
Maunch Appearance
Tonight’s game will be Anna Moorhouse's debut for England. She was a part of the European Championship squad who won this past summer, but she did not play any minutes with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Earlier Fixture Update
The opening match of the final of the Women’s Nations League occurred yesterday; review all of the events:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Match Updates
Live updates from the fixture will continue with important moments and current information as the match proceeds.
