The English Lionesses were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in their World Cup warm-up match on Saturday, leaving them still searching for their first win of the summer.
England had numerous opportunities to break the deadlock at Stadium MK, including Georgia Stanway’s shot from close range that rattled off the crossbar just minutes before halftime. Late in the second half, Alessia Russo’s effort was cleared off the line by Portugal defender Ana Borges with a spectacular stretch to deny England the breakthrough.
Leah Williamson and Beth Mead – both ruled out of the World Cup with long-term knee injuries – watched from the stands as coach Sarina Wiegman plots her team’s route to glory. The Lionesses have one more friendly against Olympic champions Canada on July 14th – behind closed doors – before facing Haiti on July 22nd in their opening tournament fixture.
For Portugal, who were late additions to last year’s Euros as a replacement for banned Russia, it is an historic moment as they prepare for their maiden World Cup appearance against Netherlands on July 23rd.
