England's Nations League campaign got off to a frustrating start as they were held to a 1-1 draw in Portugal.
Following a bright start to their opening Group A3 match, Alessia Russo put the Lionesses in front after slotting home from Lucy Bronze's brilliant cross from the right flank.
A shift in momentum saw Portugal begin to threaten after the break and, following a spell of pressure, they earned an equaliser through substitute Kika Nazareth's stunning top corner finish.
England are back in Nations League action at Wembley on Wednesday where they face group leaders Spain, who needed a late goal to beat Belgium in their opening fixture.
Follow live updates from the Nations League opener in tonight’s live blog, below.
Portugal vs England LIVE: Lionesses score and updates
- FULL TIME! Portugal hold England to 1-1 draw in Nations League opener
- 76' GOAL! Kika Nazareth scores stunning and deserved equaliser (POR 1-1 ENG)
- 15' GOAL! Russo finishes from excellent Bronze cross (POR 0-1 ENG)
- England XI: Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Charles; Clinton, Walsh; Park, Toone, James; Russo
- Lauren James returns to make first England appearance since April 2024
- Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead out injured
Sarina Wiegman admits England ‘have work to do’ after draw in Portugal
Friday 21 February 2025 22:56 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman says England “had to adapt” to Portugal’s second-half changes after a 1-1 draw in their Nations League clash.
A bright start to the Lionesses’ opening Group A3 match saw them come close through Lauren James and Ella Toone before Alessia Russo put them ahead in the 15th minute.
Lucy Bronze did well to control a cross-field pass from James and launched a menacing ball into the centre of the area for Russo, who coolly tapped home.
England then enjoyed a comfortable period in the first half, with Portugal unable to create much. However, a switch in momentum after the break saw the hosts apply more pressure and they earned a point thanks to Kika Nazareth’s equaliser.
Sarina Wiegman admits England ‘have work to do’ after draw in Portugal
England player ratings as Grace Clinton taught lesson in Portugal draw
Friday 21 February 2025 22:30 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland struggled to adapt to Portugal’s tactical changes and desperately missed the presence of Lucy Bronze, who was brought off at half time ahead of Wednesday’s game against world champions Spain at Wembley.
The Lionesses will need to improve against Spain, who scored two stoppage-time goals to beat Belgium in the other fixture of Group A3. Here’s how the players rated in the 1-1 draw.
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England player ratings as Grace Clinton taught lesson in Portugal draw
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 22:24 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland defender Millie Bright tells BBC 5 Live what we’ve all been saying:
“A game of two halves really,” she says. “I think first half we had better quality on the ball, a little bit more control. Lots of work to be done. Obviously, never happy conceding a goal, especially in that manner when it was preventable. They're a strong team, they tested us tonight. There's a lot to work on ahead of the game on Wednesday.”
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:59 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland manager Sarina Wiegman, speaking to ITV.
“I think we played a very good first half. We could have scored more goals, that would have helped. The second half they changed the shape and we had to adapt to that.
“When they started to push then we hoped to keep the ball better. What we did in the last part of the second half, we would hope to do that better next time.
“They put more players in attack and changed the shape. We were figuring it out but they scored their goal really well. On the other hand, we could have done better. After that we changed the organisation and we pushed a little more too. Unfortunately we couldn’t get another goal.
“I’m not thinking about the Euros. I’m just thinking about Wednesday. We have work to do. It’s Spain. It’s going to be a tough game. We will try to win that game.”
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:53 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer England striker Ian Wright, speaking on ITV.
“When Lucy Bronze came off it threw our balance, with what she gives us on the right. Jess Park had a bit too much to do. It’s a massive learning curve for England.
“The concentration levels that you have to have throughout the game have to be elite.”
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:50 , Jamie BraidwoodFormer England midfielder Karen Carney, speaking on ITV, on why she was scratching her head at England’s second half performance.
“I was disappointed we didn't make it more than one. The second half I was scratching my head thinking it's a different team. The basics went and that's when you get punished. There are lessons to be learnt.
“[Missed chances] were the story of the game. England had opportunities when Portugal were defensive. You need to be ruthless. When you have the momentum, take it, be clinical.”
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:44 , Jamie BraidwoodNot the worst result in the world but England will be really disappointed with their performance in the second half, especially after starting so well, and it continues their inconsistent run.
They will look to bounce back against Spain at Wembley, but defeat to the world champions there would leave England in a tough position in this Nations League group.
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:40 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland struggled to build on a promising start as Portugal held the Lionesses to a draw in their Nations League opener in Portimao thanks to Kika Nazareth’s stunning equaliser.
Alessia Russo converted an excellent cross from Lucy Bronze to give Sarina Wiegman’s side the lead in the 15th minute, with the returning Lauren James and Grace Clinton giving the visitors confidence on the ball.
But the Lionesses lost their way in the second half, with Portugal taking control. The hosts were then inspired by the arrival of Kika Nazareth from the bench, with the Barcelona forward firing a deserved equaliser into the top corner.
England will host world champions Spain at Wembley on Wednesday, in a rematch of the World Cup final. But the Lionesses will need to improve against Spain, who scored two stoppage-time goals to beat Belgium in the other fixture of Group A3.
FULL TIME! Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:38 , Jamie BraidwoodAnd that’s it! A deserved point for Portugal but it all went wrong for England after a promising start. The Lionesses are held in their Nations League opener.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:37 , Jamie Braidwood90+3 mins: England have suddenly come to life but it’s going to be too late. Toone bursts forward but is clipped from behind, but does not get a foul.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:36 , Jamie Braidwood90+2 mins: A half chance for England as a free-kick is sent forward, but Russo slices the shot and it’s headed behind by Portugal.
From the corner, Williamson meets it but the header is straight at Pereira.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:34 , Jamie Braidwood90+1 mins: Carter’s ball to Beever-Jones is overhit, and the Chelsea forward is penalised for a push.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:33 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: There will be four minutes added on.
James had a couple of shots from the edge of the box earlier in the second half but apart from that I can’t remember the Lionesses having a chance since the restart.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:30 , Jamie Braidwood86 mins; England are holding on. Williamson is required to make two important blocks in a row, halting Jacinto. England would do well to come away with a point here.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:26 , Jamie Braidwood83 mins: Park and Clinton and replaced by Kelly and Beever-Jones.
It looks like James will drop into midfield, with Toone sitting next to Walsh.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:25 , Jamie Braidwood80 mins: More brilliant play from Nazareth and Jacinto sets her up with a nutmeg on Clinton. Williamson gets out to block her shot.
Earps claims the second ball following the Portugal corner.
Portugal 1-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:22 , Jamie Braidwood79 mins: Yellow card. Clear frustration for Clinton as Nazareth skips past her, with the midfielder bringing her down from behind.
Chloe Kelly and Aggie Beever-Jones are preparing to come on.
GOAL! Portugal 1-1 England (NAZARETH 76')
Friday 21 February 2025 21:19 , Jamie BraidwoodIt’s been coming, but that’s a stunning goal from Kika Nazareth! She takes the ball on the turn and drives away from Clinton to break into the box. No one came out to close down Nazareth and she bends a beautiful shot into the top corner. Earps had no chance.
It’s what Portugal deserve. England have been a clear second-best after half-time.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:15 , Jamie Braidwood71 mins; Earps has gone down with an ‘injury’ that conveniently gives England a chance to gather around Wiegman. The Lionesses need some control and time on the ball.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:13 , Jamie Braidwood69 mins: Earps collects comfortably after another cross from Diana Silva fails to find a team-mate.
As England struggle to clear, Carter wins a foul in the box and Jessica Silva waited for the ball to drop.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:08 , Jamie Braidwood65 mins: Walsh is booked for stopping a Portugal counter-attack, pulling back on Marchao.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:06 , Jamie Braidwood63 mins; England are very much on the back foot now. They could maybe do with a change, or to just keep the ball for a spell.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:03 , Jamie Braidwood60 mins: There is excitement in the stands as Portugal bring on the Barcelona player Kika Nazareth. Silva’s cross is gathered by Earps at her near post.
Portugal have switched to a 4-4-2.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:01 , Jamie Braidwood58 mins: England take a corner short and James cracks a shot on her left foot that whistles over the bar.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 21:01 , Jamie Braidwood57 mins; I’m sure some of England fans in Portugal travelled not just to see the match but to catch some sun. However, it’s currently chucking it down in Portimão.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:58 , Jamie Braidwood54 mins: Park almost squeezes a pass through to Russo but Pereira cames out to gather. England had moved the ball forward confidently as Bright switched to Carter.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:55 , Jamie Braidwood51 mins: Park shows a lovely balance as she drops her shoulder and breaks into the Portugal half, before running out of play. England have not been as fluid in this half.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:51 , Jamie Braidwood48 mins: Clinton catches a loose arm in the face from Diana Silva, but she quickly picks herself back up.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:50 , Jamie Braidwood47 mins; SAVE! James stands up her full-back and drops her shoulder to roll past her before unleashing another powerful shot on her left foot. This was on target but Pereira shovels clear.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:49 , Jamie Braidwood46 mins: And we’re back underway. It’s been good from England so far but they will want to add to their lead soon.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:48 , Jamie BraidwoodA change for England: Jess Carter replaces Lucy Bronze at the break. That could be ahead of the Spain game on Wednesday, of course. Carter slots into right back.
HALF TIME! Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:40 , Jamie BraidwoodAlessia Russo now has 21 England goals - and has taken her run to eight goals from eight games for club and country. The in-form player on the pitch.
HALF TIME! Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:37England’s play in the final third has been really sharp at times - this was the move for Russo’s goal.
HALF TIME! Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:33 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland lead at the break thanks to Russo’s goal. Plenty for Wiegman’s side to work on during the break, but there’s been some nice moments from the Lionesses in Portugal. Russo, Bronze, Clinton and James among the standout performers so far.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:32 , Jamie Braidwood45+1 mins: Portugal win a corner right at the end of the half, as Walsh pokes it behind to break up an attack. The cross is woefully overhit.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:31 , Jamie Braidwood44 mins; Chance! As soon as England get into the final third, they look sharp. As the look to maintain an attack, Williamson clips a cross towards Russo, who peels off at the back post. Her header is gathered by Pereira.
Clinton was demanding for a penalty and is appealing to the referee that she was pulled down in the box.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:28 , Jamie Braidwood42 mins: Chance! Sloppy from England - they give it away on the edge of the box and the ball breaks to Diana Silva just eight yards out. She takes it wide and blasts off target, which means Mary Earps is still yet to make a save.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:26 , Jamie Braidwood40 mins: Superb recovery work from James to track back and stop a Portugal counter-attack. That will please Wiegman as much as her role in the opening goal.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:25 , Jamie Braidwood39 mins: England win a corner as Charles advances down the left. James’ inswinging ball is challenged by Bronze, who just catches the goalkeeper Pereira on the way through. Foul given.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:23 , Jamie Braidwood37 mins: This hasn’t been the best spell from England. Walsh gives it away this time as she overhit a pass to Clinton, with England looking to build out of defence. Was a nice enough idea from Walsh.
Portugal’s problem is they have not been good enough on the ball when England have given it away.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:21 , Jamie Braidwood35 mins: Park is booked for a late challenge on Marchao - which came after she lost the ball a moment before. Park, to be fair, had slipped as she went into Marchao.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:19 , Jamie Braidwood32 mins; CLOSE! Swift move from England, as it’s worked to James on the left. She drifts inside and floats the ball towards the back post... but it’s neither a cross or a shot and it lands wide. James holds her hand up.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:16 , Jamie Braidwood30 mins: Park slips a clever ball into Russo’s path and the Arsenal striker wins a corner. Russo has been excellent so far and Portugal have not been able to handle her movement across the frontline.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:14 , Jamie Braidwood28 mins: England just have to make sure they don’t get sloppy on the ball. Clinton and Bronze lose it cheaply in quick succession, but they are backed up by teammates to win it back.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:11 , Jamie Braidwood25 mins: Good news as Charles is back on her feet. From the restart, Toone is fouled. England are looking too quick, of thought and movement, for their opponents.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:09 , Jamie Braidwood23 mins: Amado is now booked for catching Charles on the stretch. Charles is still down holding her left knee, which is a worry for a player who has just came back from injury.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:08 , Jamie Braidwood21 mins: Amado’s cross from the right is straight into Earps. Portugal’s service into the two Silvas will be key for them.
Portugal 0-1 England
Friday 21 February 2025 20:05 , Jamie Braidwood18 mins: England needed to move the ball well against a Portugal side who like to defend deep when out of possession. James showed just how much variety she adds to England’s attack with that switch of play to Bronze, who produced quality from out wide.
GOAL! Portugal 0-1 England (RUSSO 15')
Friday 21 February 2025 20:02 , Jamie BraidwoodWHAT A GOAL! Bronze’s cross is superb and finds Russo for the tap-in! It starts with an excellent switch from James from left to right. Bronze digs out a dipping cross on the volley and Russo, like any good striker, is there to finish!
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:59 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: Clinton concedes a free-kick to the right of England’s box after being caught on the ball. Bronze makes an excellent header to clear, facing her own goal. England can’t quite clear and Clinton needs to make the tackle in her own box.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:57 , Jamie Braidwood10 mins: WIDE! Oh that would have been a lovely goal. Clinton turns superbly after finding a pocket of space and slips in Toone, who searches for the far corner. It goes just wide. Great move with an encouraging link-up from the Manchester United team-mates.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:55 , Jamie Braidwood8 mins: CLOSE! Lauren James is left in space on the wing and England find the forward. She takes it forward before unleashing a fierce shot on her left foot, but it goes over the crossbar.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:52 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins; Clinton is taking up a position ahead of Walsh and to the right when England have the ball, with Toone on the left.
Russo turns brilliantly on the halfway line but her pass through to Toone has too much on it.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:49 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: Jessica Silva’s pace on the counter-attack is a danger for England. It’s a very open game early on.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:49 , Jamie Braidwood2 mins: Toone’s ball towards Russo is overhit and goes behind. At the other end, Earps has to come off her line to collect the ball before it runs to Jessica Silva.
Spain have beaten Belgium 3-2, by the way, thanks to two goals in stoppage time.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:47 , Jamie Braidwood1 mins: England will a very early corner down the right which James will take. England go short and Park teases a dangerous cross towards the back post, which Portugal clear. England stay on the front foot.
Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:45 , Jamie BraidwoodViewers in the UK can watch the game live for free on ITV 1, while subscribers can also watch online via ITVX.
England XI: Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Charles; Clinton, Walsh; Park, Toone, James; Russo.
KICK-OFF! Portugal 0-0 England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:45 , Jamie BraidwoodStill, the Lionesses have to focus on themselves. We’re underway in Portugal as England get their Nations League campaign up and running.
Nations League: Spain 3-2 Belgium
Friday 21 February 2025 19:44 , Jamie BraidwoodWOW! Spain have scored again! Lucia Garcia gets another! That’s astonishing.
Nations League: Spain 2-2 Belgium
Friday 21 February 2025 19:42 , Jamie BraidwoodSpain were trailing Belgium 2-0 in the other fixture in Group A3, but Lucia Garcia has scored a 92nd minute equaliser for the world champions!
It still looks as if Spain will be dropping points before facing England on Wednesday.
Portugal vs England
Friday 21 February 2025 19:41 , Jamie BraidwoodThe teams are out and it’s time for the anthems! Not long now until kick-off in Portugal.
Grace Clinton goes for three in a row tonight
Friday 21 February 2025 19:39 , Jamie BraidwoodGrace Clinton has scored on her last two England appearances. If she scores tonight, the 21-year-old would become the youngest player on record to score in three games in a row, and the first England player to do so since Beth Mead during the Euros in July 2022.
Sarina Wiegman looks ahead to Portugal match
Friday 21 February 2025 19:38 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman is hoping for a competitive game against Portugal and for those players who are picked tonight to show what they can offer ahead of this summer’s Euros.
“Whether you’re young or whether you’re an experienced player, I want everyone to play at their best and when they play at their best and we’re connected, we’re going to play our best game,” Wiegman said.
“We approach it game-by-game and we want to get good results. Playing these games will give us more learnings too. We’re going in the right direction.
“What you see is we have many talented players and we’re really excited now that the new Nations League starts which is a good group too, starting against Portugal. I’m excited to see the ones who come on the pitch tomorrow to show who they are and what England is about.”
Portugal team news
Friday 21 February 2025 19:32 , Jamie BraidwoodPortugal have six players in their team with 100 or more caps - and feature the dangerous pair of Jessica Silva and Diana Silva in their attack.
Diana Silva has scored five goals across her last four appearances for Portugal, who went unbeaten in 2024 across all competitions. Their last defeat came against France in December 2023.
Portugal XI: Pereira, Gomes, Carole Costa, Borges, Amado, Marchao,Dolores Silva, Tatiana Pinto, Norton, Jessica Silva, Diana Silva
Subs: Morais, Rute Costa, Seica, Faria, Jacinto,Rute, Ribeiro, Mendes, Capeta, Nazareth, Alves, Dias
England's Nations League opponents
Friday 21 February 2025 19:26 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland’s last meeting with Portugal was a 0-0 draw in their send-off match before the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
In fact, they have recent history with all of their Nations League opponents. The arrival of world champions Spain to Wembley, in a rematch of that World Cup final, offers a reminder of what could have been in Sydney and a stern test against the best team in the world.
Belgium, the final team in Group 3, beat the Lionesses in the last Nations League, as they then felt the effects of a post-World Cup hangover.
Lucy Bronze discusses her Portugal connection: 'A team I always root for'
Friday 21 February 2025 19:13 , Jamie BraidwoodLucy Bronze could have played for Portugal and says she “always roots” for England’s opponents when she is not directly facing them.
Bronze’s father is Portuguese and he met Bronze’s mother in Faro, not far from where England are playing this evening.
"I have always been in good contact with the Portuguese federation. They are a team I always root for,” Bronze said.
"I always hope for the best for them and I hope they do well in the Nations League - just not against us. My first ever kit was a Portugal kit.
"I spent all my holidays in this area and played most of my football here outside. It influenced me a lot. I'm just as proud to be Portuguese as I am to be English."
Lucy Bronze praises ‘incredibly brave’ Spain players after Luis Rubiales verdict
Friday 21 February 2025 19:01 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland defender Lucy Bronze has praised the Spain players involved in the Luis Rubiales case after the former president of the Spanish football federation was found guilty of kissing Jenni Hermoso without her consent.
On Thursday, Rubiales was ordered to pay a fine worth more than 10,000 euros after a Madrid court returned its verdict, with the incident overshadowing Spain’s World Cup final celebrations after victory over England in 2023.
Speaking shortly before the verdict was reached, Bronze, who played with Hermoso and several other members of the Spain team that lifted the World Cup during her time with Barcelona, shared her support for what they had been through.
Lucy Bronze praises ‘incredibly brave’ Spain players after Luis Rubiales verdict
Lauren James returns as Wiegman names England's strongest team
Friday 21 February 2025 18:48 , Jamie BraidwoodAn England appearance for Lauren James has been a long time coming. The Chelsea forward has missed England’s last eight games due to injury, a run that stretches back to a 2-0 win over Ireland in Dublin in April 2024.
Her Chelsea team-mate Niamh Charles also makes her first start since that international window. It means there are three changes in total from the side that started the 0-0 draw with the USA at the end of November, with Grace Clinton also coming in.
Sarina Wiegman then made wholesale changes for the friendly against Switzerland in England’s last fixture. This line-up is as close to Wiegman’s strongest team given her current options.
Grace Clinton starts as Lauren James returns
Friday 21 February 2025 18:35 , Jamie BraidwoodGrace 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.
England team to play Portugal
Friday 21 February 2025 18:32 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland XI: Earps; Bronze, Williamson, Bright, Charles; Clinton, Walsh; Park, Toone, James; Russo
Subs: Hampton, Moorhouse, Morgan, Le Tissier, Turner, Carter, Kelly, Naz, Beever-Jones, Parris, Mace, Blindkilde Brown
England’s Women’s Nations League fixtures
Friday 21 February 2025 18:31 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland’s match against Portugal will be followed by a rematch of the Women’s World Cup final against Spain at Wembley, in their first home fixture of the Nations League campaign.
In April, England will play a double-header against Belgium, before another Wembley date against Portugal on May 30. The Lionesses then play Spain away from home to close out the campaign.
“It’s very exciting to start 2025 at home in this way,” Wiegman said. “We always want to perform against the best and there’s no doubt that Spain as world champions and Nations League holders are one of the biggest challenges we can face. That’s how we will continue to develop and grow in a big year for us.
- Portugal v England, Friday 21 February
- England v Spain, Wednesday 26 February (Wembley)
- England v Belgium, Friday 4 April (Ashton Gate, Bristol)
- Belgium v England, Tuesday 8 April
- England v Portugal, Friday 30 May (Wembley)
- Spain v England, Tuesday 3 June
Georgia Stanway out for ‘several months’ as Lionesses dealt major injury blow
Friday 21 February 2025 18:17 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland are likely to be without Georgia Stanway for their Nations League campaign in a major blow for the Lionesses. The midfielder has started 16 of England’s last 18 matches and played pivotal roles in England’s Euros victory and run to the World Cup final.
Wiegman said she is “hopeful” that Stanway can be fit for England’s opening game against France on 5 July, after Bayern Munich said she suffered “a lateral collateral ligament tear in her right knee” during training and is set to be out for “several months”.
“Georgia has a plan and she’s very committed and very motivated to be back,” Wiegman earlier this month. “She’s in a good place now. It’s first about her health and then coming back, but she knows where she wants to go and where she wants to be at a certain moment. Let's hope that goes that way.”
Georgia Stanway out for ‘several months’ as Lionesses dealt major injury blow
England’s Euro 2025 squad: Who’s on the plane and who’s got work to do?
Friday 21 February 2025 18:02 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland head into Euro 2025 as reigning champions as the Lionesses seek to win a second consecutive European crown. Sarina Wiegman’s side will have to be sharp from their first match in Switzerland, after being drawn alongside France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D of the July tournament.
England won the Euros on home soil three years ago and then reached the World Cup final the following year, so come into the competition with plenty of major tournament experience. A number of star players from England’s historic triumph will return but there are plenty of new faces competing for their places, too, as well as a couple of major injury concerns.
While there is still plenty of time before England have to name their squad for the Euros, here’s a look at how Wiegman’s plans are shaping up ahead of their opening match against France in Zurich on Saturday 5 July.
England’s Euro 2025 squad: Who’s on the plane and who’s got work to do?
England’s midfield puzzle demands a new combination ahead of Nations League
Friday 21 February 2025 17:51 , Jamie BraidwoodThe art of mastering the role of the box-to-box midfielder is often down to timing. With Georgia Stanway set to be sidelined for England’s Nations League campaign, and facing a race to be fit for the opening game of the Euros in July, a place in Sarina Wiegman’s starting lineup is up for grabs for the foreseeable future.
Crashing the penalty area with a late run ahead of the Euros appears to be Grace Clinton, who has started games for the Lionesses in front of Stanway and Keira Walsh as a No 10 but now looks to be an ideal candidate to feature in central midfield. Wiegman likes Clinton’s versatility and believes the 21-year-old can play as an eight as well as 10.
Preview:
England’s midfield puzzle demands a new combination ahead of Nations League
Injury worries for England and Sarina Wiegman
Friday 21 February 2025 17:41 , Jamie BraidwoodThe absence of Beth Mead and Lotte Wubben-Moy this month adds to injuries to Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway, Alex Greenwood and Fran Kirby from the squad.
Forward Hemp remains unavailable but is nearing a return for Manchester City after a knee injury. Midfielder Stanway and defender Greenwood are longer-term absentees after undergoing knee surgeries, with Stanway sidelined for “several months” and facing a race to be fit for the Euros in July.
Decisions for Sarina Wiegman
Friday 21 February 2025 17:38 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea’s Hannah Hampton will likely compete with two-time Fifa ‘Best’ Award-winner Mary Earps for the starting spot in goal, while Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright and Leah Williamson could all feature in defence as Wiegman begins to mould her side ahead of Euro 2025 this summer. Niamh Charles and Jess Carter are competing for a place at left back.
Midfielders Laura Blindkilde Brown and Ruby Mace have kept places in the squad after making their debuts in December, with Grace Clinton, Jess Park and Ella Toone competing for spots alongside Keira Walsh in midfield.
In attack, there may be chances for Aggie Beever-Jones, Kelly and Jessica Naz if Wiegman decides to rest James and Alessia Russo ahead of the match against world champions Spain next week.
What is the England team news?
Friday 21 February 2025 17:35 , Jamie BraidwoodSarina Wiegman is able to call upon Lauren James and Niamh Charles for the first time since the Euros qualifying campaign last year, while Nikita Parris has been included in the squad for the first time since 2022.
Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly and Aston Villa’s Lucy Parker have replaced the injured Arsenal duo of Beth Mead and Lotte Wubben-Moy from the squad named last month by Sarina Wiegman.
When is Portugal vs England?
Friday 21 February 2025 17:31 , Jamie BraidwoodThe 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.
Good evening
Friday 21 February 2025 17:30 , Jamie BraidwoodEngland 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.
