England have been held to a 1-1 draw by Portugal in their UEFA Women’s Nations League opener in Portimão this evening.
Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses a deserved first half lead but the hosts came on strong in the second period and levelled through substitute Kika Nazareth.
England started brightly and Lauren James fired an early effort over the bar before Russo converted from a Lucy Bronze cross to give Sarina Wiegman’s side a 15th-minute lead.
The Lionesses had a couple of half-chances to add to the scoreline but a dangerous James delivery bounced narrowly wide and Russo saw a header claimed by home keeper Inês Pereira.
Portugal were much better in the second half and they looked dangerous with every attack. Chances were at a premium but the hosts were able to find an equaliser in the 75th minute through Nazareth who impressively found the top corner of the England net.
Both sides searched for a winning goal late on but they were made to share the spoils as the game ended 1-1.
England will now turn their attention towards a midweek meeting with world champions Spain at Wembley while Portugal’s next UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture is against Belgium in Leuven.
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