The Lionesses take on China – Women's Friendly Fixture
Introduction
Greetings and welcome to the exhibition match between England and China at London’s Wembley. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the European Championship holders taking on the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is sold-out for the event, which will see the celebrated Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her departure from the England squad before the Euros this past summer.
Squad announcements will be shared imminently, but there was a recent 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 summoned.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be interesting to see who England manager Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are on the way before kick-off at 5.30pm GMT.
Team News
The team news is in. Anna Moorhouse starts in goal for England in the non-presence of Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
England's starting eleven: 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 the squad from China now; once it is available, I will post it.
Leadership Role
Keira Walsh is captaining the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still sidelined. These were her comments 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 featured in the European Championship squad who triumphed this past summer, but she did not play any minutes with Hannah Hampton in the first-choice keeper position.
Recent Action
The first leg of the Women’s Nations League title decider took place yesterday; get the details on all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Match Updates
Live updates from the game will be provided with important moments and timely updates as the game progresses.
