Five Key Storylines as the Lionesses Face China and Ghana in Wembley Double-Header

The final whistle blows on another monumental year for the Lionesses this week, but before the curtain falls, Sarina Wiegman’s side has two more acts to perform. Fresh from a mixed bag of results against Brazil and Australia in October, England welcomes China to a sold-out Wembley on Saturday before a trip to St Mary’s to face Ghana on Tuesday. With qualification for Euro 2025 now the primary focus, these friendlies are far from meaningless exhibitions. They are a vital laboratory for a manager known for her meticulous planning. With a squad reshuffled by both injury and intention, here are the five key things to look out for as the Lionesses prepare for their 2023 finale.

The Keating Conundrum: A New Number One Emerges?

All eyes will be on the goalkeeping spot, where a compelling new narrative is unfolding. The absence of the experienced Hannah Hampton has opened the door, and Manchester City’s teenage sensation Khiara Keating burst through it during the last international break. Her debut was more than a ceremonial cap; it was a statement. At just 19, Keating’s composure, distribution, and shot-stopping ability have made her a regular starter for a top WSL side, forcing a conversation that seemed settled not long ago.

The established hierarchy of Mary Earps, the reigning Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper, and her deputy Hannah Hampton, is now under legitimate pressure. While Earps’ leadership and big-game pedigree are unquestionable, Wiegman is a manager who values competition. These friendlies present a crucial test for Keating. Will Wiegman hand her a start to further assess her readiness against international opposition? How she handles the immense pressure of a Wembley crowd, should she feature, will be telling. This is no longer just about development; it’s a genuine audition for the role of long-term successor.

Wiegman’s Tactical Tinkering: Beyond the 4-3-3

Sarina Wiegman’s preferred 4-3-3 formation has been the bedrock of England’s success, providing structure and fluidity in equal measure. However, the defeat to Belgium in the Nations League and the occasional struggle to break down deep-lying defences have hinted at a need for a Plan B. These friendlies are the perfect, low-risk environment for tactical experimentation.

Could we see a shift to a 3-5-2, offering more defensive solidity and unleashing the wing-back potential of players like Niamh Charles? Or perhaps a 4-2-3-1 that allows a creative player like Ella Toone to operate in a more advanced, central number ten role without the defensive responsibilities of a number eight? Wiegman has shown flexibility in the past, and with key personnel missing, she has the perfect excuse to test new shapes and systems. Look for subtle shifts in player positioning and in-game formation changes as she gathers data for the tougher tests ahead.

New Faces, Fresh Legs: Seizing the Opportunity

Injuries to the likes of Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, and Laura Coombs have undeniably weakened the squad on paper, but they have also cleared a path for others. This camp has seen the introduction of new faces, and the expectation is that they will be given meaningful minutes.

• Grace Clinton (Tottenham, on loan from Manchester United): The dynamic midfielder has been a revelation in the WSL this season, earning her first senior call-up with her energetic, box-to-box displays.
• Jessica Park (Everton, on loan from Manchester City): A creative and technically gifted attacking midfielder, Park offers a different profile in the final third and will be eager to make her mark.

For these players, this is more than a reward for good form; it’s a chance to stake a claim. A strong 45-minute cameo could see them jump the queue and become permanent fixtures in Wiegman’s plans. The battle for places, especially in a crowded midfield, is fiercer than ever.

Midfield Metamorphosis: Life Without Walsh

The engine room of any successful team is its midfield, and England’s has been dominated by the irreplaceable presence of Keira Walsh. Her injury, while not long-term, forces Wiegman to find a solution for these two games. This presents a fascinating puzzle. Does she simply plug in Georgia Stanway as the deepest lying midfielder, a role she has played before? Or does this open the door for a different kind of setup?

This could be a defining moment for a player like Laura Blindkilde Brown of Aston Villa, whose technical security and vision could be tested in a more withdrawn role. Alternatively, we might see a double-pivot system with two more defensively-minded players sharing the burden. How England constructs their play from the back and controls the tempo without their midfield lynchpin will be one of the most instructive takeaways from these fixtures.

Building for 2025: The Long Game Begins Now

While the spectacle of a Wembley friendly is immense, it’s crucial to view these matches through the correct lens: they are foundational blocks for the Euro 2025 qualification campaign. Every pass, every tactical switch, and every personnel decision is made with that future in mind. Wiegman is not just picking a team to beat China and Ghana; she is constructing a squad capable of navigating a tricky qualifying group and challenging for another major trophy.

This means managing minutes for key players like Millie Bright and Lucy Bronze, who have heavy club schedules. It means building chemistry between potential defensive partnerships, such as Maya Le Tissier and Alex Greenwood. Most importantly, it’s about fostering a competitive environment where 25 players are pushing for 15 spots on the plane to Switzerland. A convincing win will boost morale, but a performance that answers some of these tactical and personnel questions will be considered a far greater success by the coaching staff.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Friendly Farewell

As the Lionesses run out at a packed Wembley, the occasion will feel like a celebration of another stellar year. Yet, beneath the surface, these friendlies are charged with significance. From the rise of Khiara Keating to the strategic reshuffling forced by injury, Sarina Wiegman is conducting her most important squad audit since the World Cup. The results against China and Ghana are secondary to the performances of individuals and the effectiveness of new tactical blueprints. For the fans, it’s a chance to cheer on their heroes one more time in 2023. For Wiegman, it’s the first, crucial step on the road to defending their European crown.

Source: Based on news from BBC Sport.

Image: CC licensed via www.uihere.com