England 0-0 Portugal
by Ruby Vince at Stadium MK (2/7/23)
Above: Lauren James looks to burst through against Portugal yesterday, supported by Alessia Russo. Photo: Lionesses.
England’s send-off game ended in a disappointing goalless draw against Portugal in Milton Keynes.
Sarina Wiegman’s team did not perform at their best, even with multiple chances to grab the win in the second half.
Lucy Bronze had a great chance but her header hit the crossbar, whilst Alessia Russo was denied a goal with a great block from Ana Borges.
The Lionesses seemed to lack energy in the first half, although this could have something to do with the lack of game time they have played recently due to the end of the Women’s Super League. Rachel Daly had an early chance after a great curled cross by Lauren Hemp but Daly tapped it wide.
However, the second half showed a tremendous improvement in the involvement of the game from the players along with a new burst of energy. Russo immediately made an impact, proving herself worthy of her ‘super sub’ title. This allowed her to link up with Lauren James, who moved to the number 10 role. Russo had the most chances, two of which were set up by Chloe Kelly, but were just wide of the target.
Bronze’s header rattled the crossbar and Chloe Kelly also had a shot but just couldn’t get it to the back of the net.
The second period showed what England are capable of with James’ link-ups with Bronze and Russo really giving Sarina food for thought, with her starting XI for the World Cup.
The Chelsea forward was one of England’s most talented athletes, but Daly missed a few opportunities and struggled to make an impact from the beginning as the number nine player.
Esme Morgan, a young Manchester City defender who struggled against Australia but was supported by Wiegman to start at centre defence, displayed maturity and calm here alongside Jess Carter.
If Millie Bright, who hasn’t played since March due to a knee injury, is unable to recover in time for the tournament’s opening game, Morgan has demonstrated her ability to play there.
This game has gave Wiegman further food for thought in her World Cup selection decisions. England are not short of talented players, but with many key names missing, the Lionesses head coach is having to find new ways to get the team to work together, which seems to be her biggest challenge.
Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, and Fran Kirby are all key components of the England squad and with them missing the World Cup due to injury, the team are really going to have to adapt to these changes in Australia.
England held 67% possession with 23 shots, eight of which were on target. Portugal had 33% possession, and two shots, neither of which were on target.
Teams: ENGLAND (4-3-3): Earps, Bronze, Morgan, Carter, Greenwood, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, James, Daly, Hemp. Substitutes used: Niamh Charles (for Alex Greenwood 45’), Chloe Kelly (for Ella Toone 45’), Alessia Russo (for Rachel Daly 45’), Laura Coombs (for Georgia Stanway 65’), Katie Zelem (for Keira Walsh 65’), Katie Robinson (for Lauren Hemp 81’).
PORTUGAL (4-1-2-1-2): Teixeira Pereira, Marques Borges, Ribeiro Gomes, da Silva Costa, Silva Amado, Jacome da Silva, Ferreira Pinto, Norton, Romos Ribeiro Nazareth Sousa, Abreu de Sousa e Silva, Manjenje Nogueira Silva. Substitutes used: Palma Capeta (for Ramos Ribeiro Nazareth Sousa 50’), de Jesus Jacinto (for Jácome da Silva 62’), Velosa Encarnaçã (for Abreu de Sousa e Silva), Sousa Alves (for Silva Amado 81’), Trindade Coruche Mendes (for Norton 81’).
Referee: Esther Staubli.
Attendance: 26,267.
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