The Lionesses v the Chinese team – Women's Friendly International
Introduction
Welcome everyone to the friendly game between the English side and the Chinese squad at the iconic Wembley. The match is set to be a thriller with the reigning European champions facing the reigning Asia Cup winners.
The iconic Wembley is sold-out for the match, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her international retirement before the European Championship this past summer.
Squad announcements will be shared imminently, but there was a last minute squad update for England. On Friday, Khiara Keating withdrew from the squad with a minor injury, and so previous starter Ellie Roebuck has been called up.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be interesting to see who the Lionesses' coach Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. That news and all the other updates are coming up before the start of the match at 5:30 in the evening GMT.
Squad Updates
The team news is in. 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.
Substitutes: 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.
Skipper News
Keira Walsh is leading the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still injured. She shared these thoughts before this encounter:
Walsh steps up as England meet fresh challenge in battle of continental titleholders.
Debut Alert
Tonight’s game will be Anna Moorhouse's maiden cap for England. She belonged to 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; review all of the action:
Women’s Nations League: Spain’s Cata Coll denies Germany to keep final in the balance.
Real-Time Coverage
Live updates from the game will be provided with key events and timely updates as the match proceeds.
