Historic Night at Wembley as Wiegman Reaches Landmark
The England Lionesses delivered a spectacular performance at a packed Wembley Stadium, thrashing China 8-0 in a display of pure dominance. The victory marked a significant personal milestone for manager Sarina Wiegman, securing her 50th win in charge of the national team since taking the helm.
This was England's first match at their national stadium since successfully defending their European Championship title at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The team put on a show for the home crowd, demonstrating their formidable strength as they continue preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Stanway Shines with Perfect Hat-Trick
The match belonged to Georgia Stanway, who scored a magnificent hat-trick to lead the scoring rout. Her first came in the 23rd minute when Chinese goalkeeper Pan Hongyan punched a cross straight to her, allowing Stanway to volley the ball back through a crowded penalty area.
Stanway doubled her tally from the penalty spot in the 38th minute after a VAR check confirmed a handball by Rangers defender Li Mengwen. She completed her first England hat-trick just eight minutes into the second half, playing a neat one-two with Ella Toone before slotting the ball home calmly.
Comprehensive Team Performance Seals Victory
The goal-scoring began early, with Beth Mead opening the account after just 12 minutes. Lucy Bronze overlapped down the right and played in Mead, who needed just one touch to control before lashing home with her right foot.
Mead quickly added a second moments later when Lauren Hemp fed Toone down the left flank, with Toone's cross being finished by Mead at the far post. The Lionesses were three goals up within four minutes when Hemp, playing her first international since the Euros after injury, got on the scoresheet herself after being set up by Stanway.
The scoring continued in the second half with Ella Toone capitalising on a defensive mix-up to roll the ball into an empty net in the 71st minute. Just seven minutes later, Toone turned provider, setting up Alessia Russo who slid in to complete the eight-goal demolition.
With regular goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and deputy Khiara Keating absent through injury, Wiegman handed a debut to 30-year-old Anna Moorhouse of Orlando Pride. The debutant had little to do against an under-prepared Chinese side playing their first match since July.
This dominant performance forms part of England's four-match homecoming series following their Euro 2025 triumph. After being narrowly beaten by Brazil in their first post-Euros friendly, the Lionesses bounced back against Australia before this comprehensive victory over China. They will round off their memorable year with a final match against Ghana at St Mary's on Tuesday.
