Lionesses: Debuts, Defense Rotation, and Hemp Return in Two Friendlies

England’s women’s team closes the year with two international friendlies, giving Sarina Wiegman a valuable chance to assess depth and experiment with new ideas. The Lionesses meet China at Wembley on Saturday and then face Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday. Kick-offs are 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM local time respectively.

This is another opportunity to try players in different roles after recent results and injuries, with several regulars unavailable. The squad will include new faces, potential debuts, and some rotation to manage workload and fitness.

Goalkeeper options and selection

Hannah Hampton is sidelined with a thigh injury, opening the door for the next generation of goalkeepers. Khiara Keating, who looked set to start, withdrew with a minor groin issue in training, paving the way for younger keepers to gain minutes. The 21-year-old had been favored for a maiden cap last month but hasn’t featured regularly for her club in the WSL lately.

Ellie Roebuck of Aston Villa steps in as the leading candidate among the experienced options, bringing 11 England caps and a role in the Euro 2022 triumph plus the run to the 2023 World Cup final. She also has a remarkable personal comeback story after a 2024 health scare. The only other guard of note is Sophie Baggaley from Brighton, who remains uncapped at the senior level.

Defensive rotation at centre-back

With captain Leah Williamson nursing a knee issue and Alex Greenwood injured, England’s central defense is undergoing a rebuild. Captain-level experience is thinner, as Jess Carter rests after club duties and Millie Bright has stepped away from national team duty in the recent period.

Arsenal’s Lotte Wubben-Moy could earn rare minutes alongside potential new partners, while Liverpool captain Grace Fisk is in the frame to make her first England appearance. Maya Le Tissier, a Manchester United leader at the back, is another option to start; Esme Morgan from Washington Spirit could also line up with Le Tissier or Wubben-Moy.

Wiegman emphasises that squad depth means players must earn their place, regardless of who is available, highlighting the ongoing development of younger defenders who can adapt to different formations.

Kendall building on impressive debut

Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall stole the show in the last friendly by earning player-of-the-match honors in the 3-0 win over Australia. The 21-year-old impressed with her passing and attacking instincts, even hitting the crossbar with a late header attempt.

With midfield competition intensifying as Grace Clinton and Jess Park return, Kendall hopes for another chance to showcase her abilities. She started the full match on her debut, partnering with Keira Walsh before Georgia Stanway took over in midfield. Kendall stresses the need to stay consistent and keep her place earned through hard work at her club and with England.

More to come as Hemp returns

Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp makes her return to the squad after a tough year with injuries. At 25, she is one of the most experienced players in the group with around 70 England caps, behind Beth Mead, Walsh, Stanway, and Bronze. Hemp previously battled a serious knee injury before Euro 2025 and an ankle issue earlier this season, but her form for City has been bright as she helps her club to strong results.

"It’s been frustrating, especially after my knee injury last year, but I’ve focused on getting back to my best and staying fit for club games before rejoining the national team," Hemp said. Her return adds senior leadership and goal threat to England’s attack as Wiegman weighs how to balance experience with youth.

Fresh ideas against different opponents

England has used the recent friendlies to trial new ideas, including positional swaps and formation tweaks. Wiegman has experimented with Maya Le Tissier at centre-back and right-back, employed a back three in defense, and given Kendall, Keating, and Hinds opportunities to break into the side. The upcoming games against China and Ghana will test these ideas against teams England do not face regularly, potentially asking different questions of the squad.

"Facing teams from another continent brings unique challenges: China are disciplined and well-structured, able to build from the back or go direct," Wiegman said. "We’ll need to adapt to their approach and keep growing as a unit."

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Expert view

Expert comment: Wiegman’s ongoing rotation signals a deliberate plan to broaden England’s pool of leaders and specialists, ensuring a competitive edge in major tournaments. The key will be translating steady club form into consistent national team performances.

Short takeaway

Summary: England’s two friendlies will reveal how deep the squad really runs, show whether Kendall can establish herself, and demonstrate Hemp’s impact after her reintegration. The results will inform selections ahead of important matches in the calendar.

Key insight: England are expanding their player pool and experimenting with roles in friendlies to prepare for bigger tournaments. BBC coverage