The Lionesses versus China – Women's Exhibition International
Preamble
Greetings and welcome to the friendly fixture between England and China at the iconic Wembley. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the reigning European champions taking on the reigning Asia Cup winners.
The iconic Wembley is sold-out for the match, which will see the celebrated Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her retirement from the national team before the Euro tournament this past summer.
Squad announcements 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 small issue, and so previous starter Ellie Roebuck has been summoned.
With Hannah Hampton unavailable, it will be interesting to see who England manager Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are incoming before kick-off at 5.30pm GMT.
Team News
The lineups have been announced. Anna Moorhouse is the starting keeper for England in the unavailability of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
The Lionesses: 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.
I am searching for China’s team news now; as soon as I have it, I will post it.
Skipper News
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. Here’s what she had to say 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 belonged to the Euros team who claimed victory this past summer, but she did not play any minutes with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Earlier Fixture Update
The initial encounter 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 denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Real-Time Coverage
Live updates from the game will be provided with key events and timely updates as the match proceeds.