England's Lionesses delivered a spectacular performance at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening, overwhelming China with an eight-goal demolition that signals their continued dominance in women's football.
Stanway's Historic Hat-Trick Performance
Midfielder Georgia Stanway emerged as the standout performer, joining an elite group of Lionesses by scoring a hat-trick at the national stadium. The 26-year-old's three goals and assist contributed to what many are calling one of the finest midfield displays ever witnessed at Wembley.
Stanway has become indispensable to manager Sarina Wiegman's plans since the Dutch coach took charge in 2021. Known for her powerful long-range shooting and combative tackling style, she represents the perfect blend of quality and determination that defines this England team.
Breaking Down Stanway's Three Goals
Each of Stanway's goals demonstrated different aspects of her evolving game. Her opener came from pure instinct, arriving at the edge of the penalty area to convert a parried save from China's goalkeeper Pan Hongyan.
Her second came from the penalty spot just before halftime, marking her 13th successful conversion from 13 attempts - maintaining her perfect record from twelve yards.
The Bayern Munich midfielder completed her hat-trick with a beautifully worked team goal, combining with Lucy Bronze and Ella Toone in a slick passing move that sliced through China's defence before she applied the finishing touch.
Comprehensive Team Performance
The victory echoed England's previous meeting with China at the 2023 World Cup, where Wiegman's side also emerged comfortable winners. However, this performance came without the tactical surprise or Lauren James's individual brilliance that characterised that encounter.
Instead, 74,611 fans packed into Wembley witnessed a complete team display. Beth Mead appeared back to her best, forming a productive partnership with Bronze down the right flank, while Lauren Hemp marked her England return with a goal. Alessia Russo's intelligent movement constantly troubled China's defence, earning her a well-deserved 78th-minute goal.
While China are undergoing transition under new manager Ante Milicic, questions remain about how England's new-look defence and debutant goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse will handle sterner tests. Nevertheless, this commanding victory serves as a powerful statement of intent from Wiegman's squad as they continue to build toward future tournaments.
