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Sarina Wiegman’s side face China in the first of two international friendlies to close out the year as their World Cup preparations continue
Chris WilsonSaturday 29 November 2025 15:40 GMTComments
CloseWiegman ready for Lionesses' 'exciting' final fixtures of 2025England return to Wembley for the first time since winning Euro 2025 as the Lionesses take on China in an international friendly.
Sarina Wiegman’s side bounced back to beat 10-player Australia last month after falling to a defeat to Brazil in the first of their homecoming series to close out the year.
And England will continue to prepare for the start of next year’s World Cup qualifiers, where they will be in the same group as Spain, their beaten opponents in the Euro 2025 final.
Wiegman has confirmed that she will “experiment” in the final two fixtures of the year against China and Ghana and there is set to be a debutant in goal after injuries to Hannah Hampton and Khiara Keating.
Anna Moorhouse or Sophie Baggaley could make their first starts, while there has also been a recall for Ellie Roebuck 18 months after she suffered a stroke that threatened her football career.
Follow live updates from Wembley here:
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England v China Live
- Lionesses return to Wembley for first time since Euro 2025 triumph
- England face China in first of two friendlies to close out the year
- Wembley clash live on ITV1 and ITVX | Kick-off at 5.30pm GMT
- Team news: Goalkeeper set for debut after Hampton and Keating injuries
The 22 stadiums included in the UK’s joint bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup
New stadiums proposed by Manchester United and Birmingham City have been included in the UK’s joint bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
The bid includes 16 stadiums in England, three in Wales, two in Scotland and one in Northern Ireland, in what would be the first World Cup held in the UK since the 1966 men’s World Cup.
Manchester United have outlined plans for a proposed 100,000-seat stadium, with the planned redevelopment included in the bid – alongside Old Trafford in its current form.
The 22 stadiums included in the UK’s joint bid for the 2035 Women’s World Cup
There are 22 stadiums across 16 cities included in the bid, with games to be played across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Chris Wilson29 November 2025 15:40Sarina Wiegman to ‘experiment’ with England line-up in upcoming friendlies
England boss Sarina Wiegman says she will use the upcoming friendlies against China and Ghana to “experiment” with her side as she switches focus to the Women’s World Cup in two years’ time.
The Lionesses face China in the first of their friendlies at Wembley Stadium on Saturday before they travel to St Mary’s in Southampton to play Ghana on Tuesday.
It is the second set of friendlies that Wiegman’s side will play after they were beaten by Brazil before going on to earn a comfortable 3-0 victory over 10-player Australia in Derby.
The England boss said the friendlies will give “opportunities to players to show themselves” and make their case for a regular berth in the squad.
Sarina Wiegman to ‘experiment’ with England line-up in upcoming friendlies
The Lionesses boss has named a few uncapped players in her squad for the fixtures against China and Ghana Flo Clifford29 November 2025 15:25Early team news
With Hannah Hampton ruled out, goalkeeper Khiara Keating has also been forced to pull out of the squad due to an injury in training. Ellie Roebuck has been called up for the first time in two years, while Anna Moorhouse or Sophie Baggaley could make their England debut.
Lauren Hemp is back in the England squad for the first time since Euro 2025 after recovering from injury but Lauren James will remain with Chelsea as she builds her fitness following her own lay-off.
Leah Williamson, Michelle Agyemang and Alex Greenwood are also unavailable while Jess Carter will remain in the United States to recover after her involvement in the NWSL play-offs with Gotham City.
Sarina Wiegman handed forward Freya Godfrey a first senior call-up while goalkeeper Sophie Baggley, defenders Anouk Denton, Grace Fisk and Taylor Hinds and midfielder Lucia Kendal kept their places after their involvement in last month’s camp.
Kiera Walsh will captain the side while Wiegman has confirmed that she will “experiment” with the final two fixtures of the year.
Khiara Keating has been forced to pull out of the squad due to injury (AFP via Getty Images)Flo Clifford29 November 2025 15:15When is England v China?
The friendly will take place at Wembley on Saturday 29 November, with kick-off at 5:30pm GMT.
How can I watch it?
It will be broadcast for free on ITV 1 and ITV X, with coverage starting from 5pm.
Flo Clifford29 November 2025 15:05Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to live coverage of England v China, the first of two friendlies for the Lionesses in this window.
Flo Clifford29 November 2025 15:00More about
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