The Lionesses take on China – Female Friendly International
Introduction
Greetings and welcome to the friendly fixture between the English side and the Chinese squad at London’s Wembley. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the European Championship holders facing the current Asian Cup champions.
England’s national stadium is packed for the event, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her international retirement before the Euro tournament this past summer.
The team news will be announced shortly, but there was a last minute squad update for England. On Friday, Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a small issue, and so former number one Ellie Roebuck has been summoned.
With Hannah Hampton injured, it will be notable to find out who head coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are incoming before kick-off at 17:30 GMT.
Squad Updates
The lineups have been announced. Anna Moorhouse is the starting keeper for England in the absence 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; as soon as I have it, I will share it.
Captaincy Update
Keira Walsh is serving as captain for the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. Here’s what she had to say before this match:
Walsh takes lead role as England face new test in clash of continental champions.
First Cap News
Tonight’s game will be Anna Moorhouse's maiden cap for England. She belonged to the Euros team who won this past summer, but she did not feature with Hannah Hampton in the first-choice keeper position.
Recent Action
The initial encounter of the women’s Nations League final occurred yesterday; review all of the highlights:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Real-Time Coverage
Real-time coverage from the game will proceed with key events and current information as the match proceeds.