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Football London
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Sport
Beth Lindop

England player ratings as Lauren James shines but Lionesses held by Portugal ahead of World Cup

England were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in their last game on home soil before the upcoming Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

It was a cagey first half at Stadium MK, with Rachel Daly coming closest to opening the scoring for Sarina Wiegman's side. The Aston Villa striker directed an early header goalwards after a sublime delivery from Lauren Hemp, however she couldn't generate enough power to beat Ines Pereira in the Portugal goal.

Hemp was involved once again on the stroke of half time, feeding the ball into the path of Georgia Stanway, whose improvised finish clipped the crossbar. Wiegman made three changes at half time, and it was almost an instant impact from substitute Alessia Russo, who saw her effort cleared off the line by Ana Borges.

Lucy Bronze was the next England player to come close, the Barcelona right-back nodding her header against the post after a superb corner delivery from Stanway. But it wasn't to be for Wiegman's side, who will make the trip down under next week ahead of their group opener against Haiti in Brisbane on July 22.

READ MORE: Lotte Wubben-Moy lifts lid on Beth Mead and Leah Williamson England World Cup impact

Here's how the players got on at Stadium MK:

Mary Earps - 6

A spectator for much of the first half. Claimed well from a corner in the second but had perhaps lost focus slightly when Lauren Hemp's back-pass bobbled past her and behind for a corner.

Lucy Bronze - 7

Did well to pick out Lauren James after a lovely run in the first half. Headed against the post in the second.

Keira Walsh - 6

Struggled to exert her usual influence on the game in the first half but improved slightly after the break. Subbed.

Alex Greenwood - 7

Deployed at left-back and showed a real desire to drive England forwards. Almost caught out Pereira when her miscued cross landed on the roof of the net. Subbed.

Lauren James - 8

Got the crowd on their feet with a mazy run through the Portugal defence early on. Moved into the number 10 role following Toone's half-time substitution and almost set up Alessia Russo with a delicious through ball.

Georgia Stanway - 7

Probably the liveliest of England's midfielders in the first half. Clipped the crossbar with a somewhat improvised finish on the stroke of half time and caused Portugal plenty of problems with her corner delivery after the break. Subbed.

Rachel Daly - 7

Preferred to Alessia Russo up front and showed just how dangerous she can be with two early headers that caused problems for Portugal goalkeeper Pereira. Made a couple of great runs but, like a number of her teammates, was just lacking that clinical edge. Subbed.

Ella Toone - 6

Dragged a shot wide in the first half but looked slightly off the pace. Subbed at the break.

Lauren Hemp - 8

Some lovely work down the left flank early on to set up Rachel Daly for England's first chance of the game. Should have done better with a free header over the bar after the break but was England's brightest attacking outlet.

Esme Morgan - 7

A superb piece of defending 1v1 against the pacy Diana Silva in the first half and did her chances of a starting spot at this summer's tournament no harm.

Jess Carter - 7

Asserted herself early on with a strong challenge on Jessica Silva and, like Morgan, didn't really put a foot wrong.

Substitutes:

Alessia Russo - 7

Was unlucky to see her effort cleared off the line. Perhaps should have done better with a couple of efforts she dragged wide.

Chloe Kelly - 7

Forced a fine save from Pereira shortly after her introduction. Nearly set up Russo with a nice cross into the box.

Niamh Charles - 6

Was lucky to escape a booking after a frustrated pull-back on Jessica Silva but looked to get high up the pitch and help England in attack.

Katie Zelem - 6

A couple of loose passes but a tidy enough cameo from the Manchester United skipper.

Laura Coombs - 6

Kept herself busy after her introduction. Forced Pereira into a comfortable save late on.

Katie Robinson - 7

A bright, 10-minute cameo from the Brighton youngster. Always eager to get on the ball and drive forwards.

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