England take on Portugal tonight in the first match of their 2025/26 Nations League campaign, with Sarina Wiegman’s side looking to get off to the perfect start in Group A3.
The Lionesses have stayed in League A after finishing second to the Netherlands in Group A1 in the 2023/24 edition and coming second in their European Championship qualifying group.
And though tonight they face a Portugal team who only managed to qualify for Euro 2025 via the play-offs, England will also face Belgium and world champions Spain in Group A3, with group fixtures taking place between now and June before the tournament finals at the end of 2025.
While England will hope to make the finals, these upcoming matches will also serve as great competitive preparation for Euro 2025, with Wiegman yet to decide on some starting players in key positions ahead of the summer.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match:
When is Portugal vs England?
The match kicks off at 7.45pm GMT on Friday, 21 February at the Estádio Municipal de Portimao in Portimao, Portugal.
How can I watch the match?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live for free on ITV 1, while subscribers can also watch online via ITVX. Coverage will begin at 7.30pm.
Confirmed England line-up
England XI: Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Charles; Clinton, Walsh; Park, Toone, James; Russo.
What is the team news?
Grace Clinton replaces Georgia Stanway in midfield, while Lauren James and Niamh Charles return to the line-up.
Mary Earps starts in goal ahead of Hannah Hapton and left back Charles returns to join Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson and Millie Bright in the defence.
Clinton partners Keira Walsh in midfield, with Ella Toone selected as No 10.
Alessia Russo starts as striker and James makes her first England appearance this April last year, with Jess Park also named in the forward line.
Prediction
These two sides played out a 0-0 draw when they last met ahead of the 2023 World Cup, though this time round the Lionesses should have enough quality to win in a match that will likely be far more competitive than that warm-up game in July 2023.
Portugal 1-2 England.
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