The Lionesses v the Chinese team – Women’s Exhibition Match
Preamble
Hello and welcome to the non-competitive game between England and China at London’s Wembley. This promises to be an exciting contest with the current Euro titleholders taking on the current Asian Cup champions.
England’s national stadium is packed for the occasion, which will see Fran Kirby celebrated pre-match after her retirement from the national team before the European Championship this past summer.
Lineup details 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 ex-first choice Ellie Roebuck has been called up.
With Hannah Hampton out of action, it will be interesting to see who England manager Sarina Wiegman selects in goal. Those details along with further updates are incoming before the start of the match at 17:30 GMT.
Team News
The team news is in. Anna Moorhouse starts in goal 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 the Chinese lineup now; as soon as I have it, I will provide the update.
Captaincy Update
Keira Walsh is captaining the Lionesses with Leah Williamson still sidelined. These were her comments before this match:
Walsh steps up as England meet fresh challenge in battle of continental titleholders.
Maunch Appearance
This evening’s match will be Anna Moorhouse's maiden cap for England. She featured in the European Championship squad who triumphed this past summer, but she remained on the bench with Hannah Hampton in the starting goalkeeper role.
Earlier Fixture Update
The opening match of the Women’s Nations League title decider was held yesterday; get the details on all of the highlights:
Women’s Nations League: Cata Coll of Spain thwarts Germany, ensuring final remains undecided.
Match Updates
Real-time coverage from the fixture will continue with major incidents and latest developments as the match proceeds.
