England vs Portugal LIVE: Lionesses result and reaction from World Cup send-off
England 0-0 Portugal: Sarina Wiegman’s side were held to a goalless draw before they travel to Australia next week
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Your support makes all the difference.England were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Portugal in their final match before the Lionesses head to the Women’s World Cup.
The hosts dominated possession and had several chances to take the lead at Milton Keynes but could not find the breakthrough, with Alessia Russo coming closest with a shot that was cleared off the line by Portugal defender Marques Borges.
Russo also dragged a chance wide after a pull-back from Chloe Kelly while Lucy Bronze hit the post from a corner during a flurry of second-half chances.
England fly to Australia later this week and play their opening match of the World Cup against Haiti on July 22. Before then the Lionesses will play Canada in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Brisbane.
Follow all the reaction the Lionesses were held by Portugal:
England vs Portugal LIVE - Latest updates
Sarina Wiegman on what sort of test Portugal will offer England and her own team’s preparations:
“For them it's the first time they go to a World Cup so they're preparing too. I think it's a team that wants to play technical, they want to play possession game, they're not afraid to play long ball too and have some speed up front and some players that do unpredictable things.
“I also think they have some style of play that so we haven't played it against yet, so hopefully they will do that tomorrow. So we will be challenged and for us also, the first game after having a break, after the season, after having had two weeks of training sessions with of course a break in between. So getting ready.”
England vs Portugal LIVE - Latest updates
Sarina Wiegman on how close she is getting to knowing her team for England’s opening game against Haiti on July 22.
“We’re getting closer, that’s clear. You want to get closer, but we’re still trying out some things. And on some positions, I don’t know what the starting lineup will be. There’s still competition going on.
“That’s why we need those two games, but it could also be that it’s not very clear what’s the starting 11 and the next game we would make another tactical choice and bring or start another player. So it’s not totally clear, but of course we’re getting closer.”
England vs Portugal LIVE - Latest updates
Team news
Millie Bright, installed as captain with Leah Williamson among England’s injury absentees, will not feature as she continues her own recovery. The Chelsea defender suggested this week that she is ahead of schedule in her recovery, but this fixture comes too soon. Sarina Wiegman also confirmed that Jordan Nobbs will be missing but Alex Greenwood is available having overcome a knock suffered in training early in the week.
Portugal boast an exeperienced group hoping to build confidence after securing a first World Cup qualification. Manager Francisco Neto is not thought to have any fresh injury concerns.
England vs Portugal LIVE - Latest updates
When is England vs Portugal?
England vs Portugal is due to kick off at 3.15pm BST on Saturday 1 July at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with coverage on the channel from 2.30pm BST. Registered users can stream the action via ITVX.
England vs Portugal LIVE - Latest updates
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of England’s final fixture on home soil before the 2023 Women’s World Cup as they host Portugal this afternoon. The Lionesses welcome their fellow finalists to Milton Keynes four days before heading Down Under for the finals in Australia and New Zealand.
This meeting with Portugal features the 23-player squad who will represent England at the tournament with Millie Bright captaining the side in the absence of Leah Williamson - although the defender is still out due to injury.
“I’m really pleased to have a competitive game for our last home fixture,” said coach Sarina Wiegman. “We had two big games in April against Brazil and Australia where we learned so much. This will be another challenging match against a team that have performed well and are going to their first World Cup.”
Follow all the action as the Lionesses take on Portugal
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