Georgia Stanway stole the show with a superb hat-trick as England closed out their 2025 Wembley fixtures in emphatic fashion, thrashing China 8–0 in front of a packed stadium.
Sarina Wiegman’s European champions were relentless from the first whistle, swarming a China side that never managed to settle.
The match was the third of four "homecoming" friendlies arranged to celebrate England’s Euro 2025 triumph, but the Lionesses treated it nothing like a gentle exhibition.
Beth Mead set the tone early with two quick-fire goals, giving England complete control before Lauren Hemp added a third inside 16 minutes.
Stanway then took over, scoring twice before the break-one from the penalty spot-and completing her treble shortly after the restart.
Ella Toone and Alessia Russo both struck in the second half to finish off a dominant performance from a largely experienced starting XI.
England will hope for another strong display when they face Ghana on Tuesday to conclude their year.
Wembley carried a celebratory atmosphere before kick-off, marking England’s final home game of the year and featuring another presentation of the Euro 2025 trophy.
Retired midfielder Fran Kirby was honoured with a framed shirt for her 77-cap career and contributions to England’s success.
On the pitch, Wiegman named a familiar side, and they immediately asserted their superiority.
Mead rewarded that trust with two goals in quick succession, first combining neatly with Lucy Bronze and then converting Toone’s delivery at the back post.
Hemp added a simple finish after Stanway curled the ball perfectly into her path.
By the 30-minute mark England led 4–0, boasting 78% possession and restricting China to no shots on target.
Stanway’s third arrived early in the second half, leaving the visitors overwhelmed and out of answers.
Wiegman later introduced several substitutes, including second appearances for Lucia Kendall and Taylor Hinds, before Toone and Russo rounded off the scoring.
It was also a memorable night for 30-year-old goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, who made her debut with Hampton and Keating both unavailable.
Despite enforced defensive changes, Maya Le Tissier looked assured at centre-back for a third straight game, while Niamh Charles slotted comfortably into the left-back role.
However, with England five goals up by half-time, it was difficult to gauge how much Wiegman truly learned about her squad-especially with limited experimentation in midfield and attack.
China, the reigning Asian Cup champions, struggled throughout and saw their night worsen when VAR awarded England a penalty for handball late in the first half.
Overall, the match offered England little in terms of competitive testing, though it did provide a change from their usual European opposition.
