England face China – Women's Exhibition Fixture
Introduction
Hello and welcome to the friendly game between the English side and China at Wembley Stadium. The match is set to be a thriller with the reigning European champions facing the current Asian Cup champions.
The home of English football is packed for the event, which will see Fran Kirby recognized pre-match after her departure from the England squad before the European Championship this past summer.
Squad announcements will be revealed soon, but there was a recent squad update for England. On Friday, Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a slight knock, and so ex-first choice Ellie Roebuck has been called up.
With Hannah Hampton unavailable, it will be intriguing to observe who England manager Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are on the way before the start of the match at 5:30 in the evening GMT.
Lineup Announcements
Squad details are now available. Anna Moorhouse is the starting keeper 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.
Bench: Hings, Baggaley, Kendall, Wubben-Moy, Beever-Jones, Kelly, Kearns, Park, Blindkilde Brown, Roebuck, Clinton, Denton, Fisk, Godfrey.
Details are being sought for China’s team news now; when it comes through, I will provide the update.
Captaincy Update
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still injured. These were her comments 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 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; catch up with all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll stops Germany, leaving final outcome open.
Real-Time Coverage
Live feed from the fixture will proceed with key events and latest developments as the game progresses.