England take on the Chinese team – Female Friendly Match
Introduction
Welcome everyone to the exhibition fixture between the English side and the Chinese squad at the iconic Wembley. An exciting encounter is anticipated with the current Euro titleholders taking on the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is fully booked for the event, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her international retirement before the European Championship this past summer.
Squad announcements will be revealed soon, but there was a late squad update for England. On Friday, the goalkeeper Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a slight knock, and so former number one Ellie Roebuck has been added to the squad.
With Hannah Hampton injured, it will be interesting to see who head coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are on the way before the opening whistle at 5.30pm GMT.
Team News
Squad details are now available. Anna Moorhouse will be the goalkeeper for England in the unavailability 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.
Details are being sought for the squad from China now; as soon as I have it, I will share it.
Leadership Role
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still injured. These were her comments before this encounter:
Walsh steps up as England meet fresh challenge in battle of continental titleholders.
First Cap News
Tonight’s game will be Anna Moorhouse's maiden cap for England. She was a part of the Euros team who won this past summer, but she remained on the bench with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Previous Match Recap
The opening match of the Women’s Nations League title decider took place yesterday; catch up with all of the highlights:
Women’s Nations League: Cata Coll of Spain thwarts Germany, ensuring final remains undecided.
Match Updates
Live updates from the game will proceed with key events and current information as the game progresses.