Sarina Wiegman still has some big decisions to make ahead of the England's first World Cup game in three weeks time.
The Lionesses faced Portugal in a friendly match prior to them flying out to Australia at a sold-out Stadium MK which gave some well-needed minutes under the belts of players.
Wiegman made several changes to a starting XI that did not include replacement captain Millie Bright who is still nursing a knee injury. Mary Earps took the captain's armband for the friendly, while Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly were benched for the start.
With Bright still sitting out until England's first group game against Haiti on July 22, Wiegman had some defensive debating to do while trying to work out her World Cup starting XI.
We look at the main talking points in the final send-off for England's Lionesses...
Lauren Hemp impresses
On an afternoon England lacked that clinical touch, Lauren Hemp was one of few standout performers. The Manchester City forward offered the majority of the positivity in the first half and her work rate didn’t go unnoticed.
Hemp’s ability to pick out crosses from difficult areas was a real threat, with Daly able to get on the end of them and cause Portugal problems. She regularly tracked back, won the ball back and drove England forward.
She made way for Brighton’s Katie Robinson with 10 minutes left to play, but it was a solid runout for the winger and offered a glimpse into the excitement she’ll bring to this summer’s tournament down under.
Daly given the nod up front
Another selection headache, everyone will be wondering who leads the line for the Lionesses in the opening game against Haiti later this month. That starting position is still very much up for grabs, with Rachel Daly and Alessia Russo the two battling it out as things stand.
Daly was given the nod to start and her aerial threat proved to be a nusisance for Portugal as she twice went close with a header inside the opening 20 minutes. Ines Pereira did well to palm away her efforts, but it seemed the best route for England to cut open their opponents.
The switch at half time suggests nothing has been decided yet, as Daly made way for Russo in the middle. 45 minutes each to stake their claim, it seems. Both drew blanks, however, as neither were able to find the back of the net. Russo came close on occasion, but struggled to hit the target as she twice fired wide.
Defensive selection hints at World Cup plans
It’s fair to say there was an assumption Alex Greenwood was in the driving seat to partner Millie Bright at the tournament this summer. However, Saturday’s team selection may suggest Wiegman has other plans.
Greenwood, instead, started the game against Portugal at left back and Jess Carter partnered Esme Morgan in the middle, with Lucy Bronze on the right. On the face of it, it makes sense given Greenwood is arguably one of England’s best left backs behind Rachel Daly.
Carter did a solid job in the middle and made a crucial recovery run in the first half to deny Jessica Silva from running clean through. Her anticipation allowed her to get ahead of the attacker and steer away any danger.
England looked a little stretched on occasion but both Carter and Morgan handled what was thrown at them, making the decision over who partners Bright that little bit more complex.
Lauren James experiment
One of the good things about the tournament still being a few weeks away, Wiegman is still able to experiment with her line-up and test what works. Given Lauren James’ recent rise in the England ranks, nobody would bat an eyelid if she was utilised as more of an impact sub, similar to how Russo and Ella Toone were used at the Euros last summer.
However, in 90 minutes against Portugal, the Chelsea star was tried in multiple positions. She started the match on the right wing and her footwork, bursts of pace and drive at goal caused all sorts of problems for the Portugal back line. In the second half, Toone was replaced by Chloe Kelly and James was pushed back into the number 10 role.
It certainly boosts James’ chances to start having proved she can operate in different positions. The desire from Wiegman to see her in different roles may suggest she intends for James to play a more prominent role this summer. Regardless, it’s one to keep an eye on.
Important test for England, despite drawing blanks
Rustiness was to be expected after the summer break and Portugal was certainly a solid, much-needed test in the build-up to the World Cup. England’s attacking play is often so fluid they can cut through teams with ease.
Portugal were more than happy to sit deep, defend and look to punish England on the counter. There were a couple of moments in the first half that could’ve worked, but the Lionesses’ back line was able to clear any danger.
England comfortably dominated possession and had by far the better chances, a staggering eight shots on target compared to Portugal’s none. They struggled to make that dominance count, however, and will need to be much sharper in front of goal come July 22.
