The Lionesses versus the Chinese team – Women's Friendly Fixture
Introduction
Welcome everyone to the friendly fixture between the English side and China at London’s Wembley. This promises to be an exciting contest with the European Championship holders taking on the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is sold-out for the occasion, which will see the celebrated Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her retirement from the national team before the European Championship this past summer.
Squad announcements will be shared imminently, but there was a last minute squad update for England. On Friday, Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a small issue, and so ex-first choice Ellie Roebuck has been added to the squad.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be intriguing to observe who England manager Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are coming up before the start of the match at 5:30 in the evening GMT.
Lineup Announcements
The lineups have been announced. 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.
Details are being sought for the Chinese lineup now; once it is available, I will share it.
Leadership Role
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still sidelined. Here’s what she had to say before this encounter:
Walsh assumes captaincy as England confront new hurdle in meeting of continental winners.
Maunch Appearance
This evening’s match will be Anna Moorhouse's first appearance for England. She belonged to the European Championship squad who claimed victory this past summer, but she remained on the bench with Hannah Hampton in the first-choice keeper position.
Earlier Fixture Update
The opening match of the final of the Women’s Nations League was held yesterday; catch up with all of the highlights:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll stops Germany, leaving final outcome open.
Live Feed
Live updates from the fixture will continue with major incidents and latest developments as the match proceeds.