England v the Chinese team – Women’s Friendly International
Preamble
Greetings and welcome to the non-competitive match between the English side and the Chinese squad at Wembley Stadium. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the European Championship holders facing the reigning Asia Cup winners.
The home of English football is sold-out for the event, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her international retirement before the Euros this past summer.
The team news will be announced shortly, but there was a late squad update for England. On Friday, the goalkeeper Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a minor injury, and so ex-first choice Ellie Roebuck has been called up.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be notable to find out who head coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are on the way before kick-off at 5:30 in the evening GMT.
Team News
The lineups have been announced. Anna Moorhouse starts in goal 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.
We are awaiting China’s team news now; when it comes through, I will post it.
Leadership Role
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still sidelined. These were her comments before this match:
Walsh assumes captaincy as England confront new hurdle in meeting of continental winners.
Maunch Appearance
The upcoming fixture 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 first-choice keeper position.
Previous Match Recap
The opening match of the final of the Women’s Nations League took place yesterday; catch up with all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll stops Germany, leaving final outcome open.
Match Updates
Real-time coverage from the fixture will be provided with major incidents and timely updates as the match proceeds.
