Lionesses impress - but did Wiegman learn much?

""They played in a little different shape to what we expected so that took a few minutes but after that, we started playing really well. "We had a little bit more time on the ball and then you saw how good we are. We connected well and I thought we scored some really good goals. "I also think that because we played so well and scored so early, that China were struggling even more.""

"It was the tried and tested players who delivered on the scoresheet and England were in control of possession, dominating 70% of the ball as they cruised to victory. By half-time they were 5-0 up and the game was won, although Wiegman said she still learned something from the performance. Wiegman was understandably pleased with the display, which included a Georgia Stanway hat-trick, but there was a real lack of competition from China."

"As one BBC Sport live text reader, Brian, wrote: "What is the point of this match? It is a waste of England's time." It was a harsh assesment after such a dazzling display - which the 74,611 inside Wembley Stadium no doubt enjoyed - but could Wiegman have given more minutes to some of England's unfamiliar stars? Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra 2:"

England beat China 8-0 at Wembley in a post-Euro 2025 homecoming friendly, attracting 74,611 spectators. Georgia Stanway scored a hat-trick as experienced, tried-and-tested players dominated the scoresheet. England controlled 70% of possession and led 5-0 by half-time, effectively deciding the match early. Sarina Wiegman said the team learned from the game, noting China used an unexpected shape and England connected well to create quality goals. Observers questioned the lack of experimentation and limited minutes for unfamiliar players. Former goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said the opportunity may have been missed to start more debutants or give players more caps.

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