England face China – Female Exhibition Fixture
Preamble
Greetings and welcome to the friendly fixture between the English side and China at London’s Wembley. This promises to be an exciting contest with the current Euro titleholders taking on the reigning Asia Cup winners.
England’s national stadium is packed for the event, which will see the celebrated Fran Kirby recognized pre-match after her retirement from the national team before the European Championship this past summer.
Squad announcements will be shared imminently, but there was a late 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 summoned.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be notable to find out who England manager Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. This information and additional developments are coming up before the opening whistle at 5.30pm 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'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.
We are awaiting China’s team news now; as soon as I have it, I will share it.
Leadership Role
Keira Walsh is serving as captain for the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still unfit. Here’s what she had to say before this clash:
Walsh assumes captaincy as England confront new hurdle in meeting of continental winners.
Debut Alert
Tonight’s game will be Anna Moorhouse's maiden cap for England. She was a part of the Euro-winning side who won this past summer, but she did not play any minutes with Hannah Hampton in the number one shirt.
Earlier Fixture Update
The opening match of the final of the Women’s Nations League occurred yesterday; catch up with all of the events:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll stops Germany, leaving final outcome open.
Real-Time Coverage
Live updates from the fixture will be provided with key events and timely updates as the action unfolds.
