Sarina Wiegman’s side started their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw in Portugal after Kika Nazareth cancelled out Alessia Russo’s opening goal.
England had a bright start to the game, with brilliant team play leading up to Lucy Bronze’s cross into the box for Russo to finish. They had a dominant first half only for Portugal to get on top in the second, and Nazareth scored the equalizer soon after coming on.
As it happened
The Lionesses started strongly, creating early chances and putting Portugal under pressure constantly. They looked to play in space, with Grace Clinton being a valuable replacement for Georgia Stanway [out injured after knee surgery] in midfield.
Lauren James, who had her first appearance for England since April, attempted several spectacular efforts from long range, but could not make them count. One drifted over the bar just before Clinton made a neat turn to play in Ella Toone, who sent her shot just wide.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Lionesses built up Russo’s opener with smart team play. James fired the ball forward to Lucy Bronze, who put in a perfect cross for Russo to tap home in the fifteenth minute.
They continued to dominate the first half but did not make use of any other chances they had on goal. Grace Clinton cried out for a penalty when she felt she’d been pulled unfairly in the box, but with no luck. Portugal looked threatening on the counter several times, but hardly tested Earps and trailed at halftime to a dynamic England side.
Sarina Wiegman made one change as the second half started, bringing Jess Carter on for Lucy Bronze. Russo almost set up a second goal to put the game out of sight just after the restart, but none of her teammates met her header across goal.
Right from the start, Portugal’s energy had increased. Kika Nazareth came on for Dolores Silva in the 59th minute. Some were surprised the 22-year-old Barcelona forward hadn’t started, but she only needed a short spell to make an impact. Fellow substitute Ana Capeta flicked the ball to Nazareth, who caught Grace Clinton off guard and broke away from her to fire over Mary Earps with only 15 minutes remaining.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Lionesses were suddenly on the back foot as Portugal increased their intensity. Leah Williamson was forced into three important blocks, and had one of England’s better chances to retake the lead when she headed towards goal in the final minutes – but Portuguese goalkeeper Inês Pereira claimed it.
England’s concerning form continues as they begin their Nations League campaign by sharing the points with Portugal. Next for Wiegman’s side is a replay of the 2023 World Cup final when they face Spain at Wembley on Wednesday at 20:00 (GMT). Portugal will play Belgium away, at 19:15 (GMT).
The lineups
POR: Pereira; Gomes, Costa, Borges; Marchão, Pinto, Dolores Silva, Amado; Diana Silva, Norton, Jéssica Silva
ENG: Earps; Bronze, Charles, Williamson, Bright; Walsh, Clinton, Toone; Park, Russo, James
