England Settles For Draw in Portugal After Nazareth's Late Equaliser

England opened their 2025 Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Portugal at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão. Alessia Russo’s first-half strike gave the Lionesses an early advantage, but a resilient Portugal fought back, with Kika Nazareth’s late equaliser ensuring the points were shared.

Lauren James created the first of five on-target chances within the first half, curling a powerful effort towards the near post. Pereira was forced off her line as the ball looked to be a threat, but it drifted just wide of the target.

The Lionesses carved Portugal open again as the game approached the quarter-mark, but this time, Alessia Russo guided her effort home. Lauren James hurled the ball out wide to Lucy Bronze on the right wing, who delivered a cross into the box for Russo to meet. Russo tapped the ball home from close range, securing England the advantage they had been hunting for.

Portugal attempted to regain control of the game in the 41st minute after a sloppy mistake from England’s defensive line nearly brought the two sides level. Diana Silva made a direct run down the left side of the box, but her strike was comfortably collected by Mary Earps.

HALF-TIME: ENGLAND 1-0 PORTUGAL

As England returned to the pitch after the interval, Sarina Wiegman made a lone substitution, with Jessica Carter replacing Lucy Bronze.

Grace Clinton awarded Portugal a free kick minutes into the second half, with Joana Marchao attempting to deliver with her left foot before drifting the ball out for a goal kick.

Lauren James was once again found at the heart of the action, striding down the left wing unmarked. James powered the ball towards the near post, but Pereira comfortably knocked it out of play.

Neto’s 60th-minute substitution proved effective, as Kika Nazareth brought the sides level in the 75th minute. Nazareth tapped the ball around Clinton, leaving the goal open before expertly lifting her strike into the top corner.

Wiegman attempted to restore England’s lead by introducing Aggie Beever-Jones and Chloe Kelly, but Portugal remained resilient under the pressure of fresh legs, holding on to secure a draw.

England and Portugal now sit level in Group A3 of the Nations League on one point, trailing just behind Spain, who claim the top spot with three points.

The Lionesses will now turn their attention to Wednesday evening, as they host Spain at Wembley Stadium in Matchday 2 of the Nations League.

STARTING XI’s:

England: Earps, Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Bright, Williamson [C], Park, Clinton, Russo, Toone, James

Substitutes Used: Carter [45’], Beever-Jones [84’], Kelly [84’].

Unused Substitutes: Blindkilde Brown, Hampton, Le Tissier, Mace, Moorhouse, Morgan, Naz, Parris, Turner

Portugal: Pereira, Amado, Borges, Costa, Gomes, Marchao, Silva [C], Pinto, Norton, J. Silva, D. Silva

Used Substitutes: Nazareth [59’], Alves [60’], Jacinto [60’], Capeta [75’], Faria [93’].

Unused Substitutes: Costa, Dias, Ribeiro, Rute, Mendes, Seiça, Morais