The Lionesses take on China – Women’s Friendly Fixture
Introduction
Hello and welcome to the exhibition fixture between England and China at Wembley Stadium. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the European Championship holders competing against the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is packed for the match, which will see the celebrated Fran Kirby honored pre-match after her departure from the England squad before the Euro tournament 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 minor injury, and so former number one Ellie Roebuck has been summoned.
With Hannah Hampton injured, it will be interesting to see who the Lionesses' coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are coming up before the opening whistle at 17:30 GMT.
Team News
The lineups have been announced. Anna Moorhouse is the starting keeper for England in the absence of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
England's starting eleven: 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.
We are awaiting China’s team news now; once it is available, I will share it.
Leadership Role
Keira Walsh is serving as captain for the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. She shared these thoughts before this encounter:
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 Euros team 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; review all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll stops Germany, leaving final outcome open.
Live Feed
Live updates from the match will proceed with major incidents and timely updates as the game progresses.
