Sarina Wiegman’s England usher in a new look during last international break of the year
Opening the final international break of 2025 with an impressive 8-0 win against the Asian Champions, China, Sarina Wiegman’s England looked to build upon this success in their final friendly against Ghana.
The Lionesses have been in great form recently after retaining their title of European Champions this summer. In the previous international window, they had mixed results in their friendlies: a 3-0 win against Australia at Pride Park Stadium, but a 2-1 defeat to Brazil at the Etihad.
The last time the Lionesses faced China was in the group stages of the 2023 World Cup, where they dominated 6-1. In the last five meetings of the two teams England managed two wins, now making this three in six.
On the other hand, England had never faced Ghana before. This was a new challenge for both sides, as focus shifted to a new opponent. On the back of an eight-goal lead against China, Wiegman made seven changes to the starting eleven, giving inexperienced squad members a chance in a 1-0 win in the final fixture of the year.
Squad updates
The Lionesses squad has changed significantly since the UEFA Women’s EURO this summer. Breakout star, Michelle Agyemang suffered the dreaded ACL injury, sidelining her for the remainder of the season. Whilst Captain, Leah Williamson and number one goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton are also sidelined with injury.
Two youngsters make their senior camp debuts during this camp with Freya Godfrey and Anouk Denton getting their first senior call ups. Godfrey has been a big part of recent U23 England camps, whilst also shining with London City Lionesses. Denton had her first call up for England U23 during the October camp ,which has led to her first senior call-up for the November camp. Her performances for West Ham United have caught Wiegman’s eye as the year ends.
Players to watch
One player you should look out for this camp is Lotte Wubben-Moy. The Arsenal defender has recently become a key starter for the Gunners, due to injuries from Katie Reid and Williamson. She has taken this opportunity to show Renee Slegers her potential, and she has done exactly that. Wubben-Moy played a massive role in Arsenal’s recent win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, helping their backline deny multiple shots from Real Madrid. Wubben-Moy was named in the 2025 Euro squad but didn’t get any game time throughout the tournament. However, with her recent performances for club, she earned minutes against China and played the full ninety to see out the year.
Another player you should look out for this camp is Chloe Kelly. Kelly has always been a key part of the England squad, and she showed everyone exactly why during the EUROs. She played a massive role in the competition becoming the true saviour of England’s tournament alongside Agyemang. Although she didn’t start any matches this summer, she still made the impact she needed to: she entered the field as a sub in almost every game, creating assists and goals when England needed them the most. She has also had an incredible season at Arsenal, after permanently signing for them in the summer on the back of a Champions League title.
Others worth mentioning are debutant, Anna Moorhouse, adept midfielder, Lucia Kendall, and hattrick hero, Georgia Stanway. Moorhouse has been in the senior camps for a long time, but never been given the heads up to start. Against China and Ghana, she earned two clean sheets, putting herself on the radar for future matches when Hampton is absent. Kendall on the other hand scored against Ghana just six minutes in. Her creative play is influential to the Lionesses’ midfielder as she strives to impress upon the big stage. Stanway, the experienced Bayern Munich midfielder earned her first England hattrick, becoming only the third player to do so. To a sold-out Wembley crowd, she proved herself pivotal in the fluidity and attacking threat of the Lionesses’ midfield.