England Held to a 1-1 Draw by Portugal in Nations League Opener
England’s Women’s Nations League campaign kicked off with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Portugal, leaving fans and analysts questioning their current form. The Lionesses, who are just five months away from defending their Euro 2025 title, showed glimpses of brilliance but failed to maintain their dominance for the full 90 minutes.
The match started on a high note for England, with Alessia Russo finding the net in the 15th minute after a well-placed cross from Lucy Bronze. It was a confident start, with Sarina Wiegman’s side controlling possession and looking sharp in attack. However, as has been the case in recent fixtures, England struggled to build on their early lead.
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Portugal, who have been in strong form with a 10-game unbeaten streak, gradually grew into the match. They tested England’s backline in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when substitute Kika Nazareth fired a stunning equalizer into the top corner. England’s defense, which had held firm in the first half, looked vulnerable under Portugal’s increasing pressure.
Despite the result, Wiegman remains optimistic. She insists that the team is "moving forwards" and is "not concerned" about their recent dip in form. However, captain Millie Bright acknowledged that there is "lots to work on," particularly when it comes to maintaining consistency and being more ruthless in front of goal.
One of the biggest concerns for England is their struggle to close out games. They’ve now won just two of their last six matches, and their tendency to lose control in the second half is becoming a pattern. Former England midfielder Karen Carney described it as "a game of two halves," noting how the team’s energy and structure faded after the break.
With a tough fixture against world champions Spain coming up at Wembley, England will need to step up their game quickly. Spain, who pulled off a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Belgium, will provide an even bigger test for the Lionesses. Wiegman sees the match as "another opportunity" to show progress, but fans will be hoping for a stronger, more complete performance from start to finish.
As the countdown to Euro 2025 continues, England must find a way to turn promising first halves into dominant victories. The talent is there, but can they put the pieces together in time? Wednesday’s clash against Spain could provide some crucial answers.
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