England Held to Frustrating 1-1 Draw by Portugal in Women's Nations League Opener
England Falter in Wet Nations League Opener Against Portugal
Talk about a tough way to kick off a title defense. England’s women drew 1-1 with Portugal in their first UEFA Women’s Nations League group match on a rain-slicked night that offered both promise and questions. For fans, it was a match where early hope morphed quickly into second-half nerves—a theme that’s now haunting Sarina Wiegman’s side since their European triumph.
It all started brightly enough. The Lionesses came out firing, pressing Portugal in every area and dominating possession. In the 15th minute, it looked like business as usual. Lauren James, finally back in the lineup after ten months away, picked out Lucy Bronze down the right with a pinpoint long ball. Bronze kept her cool, driving to the byline and whipping in a cross that found Alessia Russo lurking in the six-yard box. Russo, rarely one to miss from close range, slammed it home. That’s exactly what you want to see from a striker making her mark early.
Even though England bossed the first half, it felt like they needed to do more. Portugal sat back, but as the rain poured and the half wore on, England’s sharpness faded. Missed passes started to creep in. Shots grew tamer, and their grip on the match weakened. Chances came—some even fell kindly in the penalty area—but Portugal’s defense, led by Carole Costa, wasn’t about to roll over. When the halftime whistle blew, England had reason to feel in control but nowhere near safe.
Coming back out, things got sloppy. The conditions worsened, rain turning parts of the pitch into muddy traps. England’s attack stalled, and Portugal sensed their moment. It wasn’t all England’s fault—there were tactical tweaks from the Portuguese side, and England seemed unsure whether to stick or switch. Their confidence slipped just enough for Portugal to find a toe-hold.
Kika Nazareth Strikes as Defensive Worries Grow
Through the second half, Portugal’s belief grew. The hosts started winning loose balls and finding spaces between the lines, stretching England’s backline in ways that would frustrate any manager. Then came the game-changing moment in the 75th minute. After a period of growing pressure, Kika Nazareth picked the ball up outside the area and, seeing a sliver of space, rifled it past Mary Earps. The England keeper, who'd moments earlier needed treatment after an awkward fall, barely had time to set herself before the ball ripped past her into the net.
This equalizer didn’t just quiet the crowd; it rattled the England players too. For the third time in five games, the European champions couldn’t see out a game they’d started so well. Sarina Wiegman was honest about it afterward: “We played a very good first half but could’ve got more goals... the second half we had to adapt to their change in shape.” Simple as that, but you could hear the frustration in her voice. Her team looked like they’d lost their identity at both ends as the match slipped out of reach.
With another draw added to their 2024 tally, the Lions now sit second in Group C, trailing a strong Spain side. Suddenly, that upcoming rematch against Spain—the side that broke English hearts in the World Cup final—looks like a high-stakes showdown they can’t afford to bungle. For England, the question is simple: Can they rediscover the ruthlessness and England spark that made them champions? Or will a lack of clinical edge keep holding them back this Nations League campaign?
With the pressure firmly on, fans will be hoping for answers—and a response—when the next whistle blows.