England v PortugalGetty Images

Alessia Russo has scored eight goals in 14 league matches for Arsenal this season

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Estadio Municipal de Portimao

England's worrying form continued as their Women's Nations League campaign began with a 1-1 draw in Portugal.

Sarina Wiegman's side, who will attempt to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer, have won just two of their last six matches.

Alessia Russo gave the Lionesses an early lead, poking home Lucy Bronze's delivery within 15 minutes on a wet evening in the Algarve.

But Portugal substitute Kika Nazareth capitalised on a period of pressure from the hosts, finishing off a brilliant team move and firing the ball into the top corner midway through the second half.

Russo's early goal had seemed to settle England and they could have doubled their lead when Grace Clinton's shirt appeared to be tugged back in the box, but referee Ivana Projkovska waved away appeals for a penalty.

Asked if she thought it was a penalty, Wiegman said afterwards: "Honest answer, yes. There is only one honest answer but you can't change it anymore.

"You have to move on with the game. I felt we had other opportunities to score a goal."

Wiegman's side were in full control as the half-time whistle went, but standout performer Bronze was substituted at the break as a precaution for a knock she picked up and England's momentum dipped massively in the second half.

Clinton, who had performed well in the absence of injured midfielder Georgia Stanway, began to struggle and England's defence was heavily tested.

Francisco Neto's Portugal side came into this game unbeaten in their last 10 matches, having not tasted defeat since a narrow 1-0 loss to France in December 2023, and they proved their quality in a tenacious second-half display.

The drop-off in intensity will concern manager Wiegman as England's preparations for Euro 2025 continue to appear rocky.

England troubles continue

Pressure was on England to deliver an improved performance and to show what they had learned in friendly matches last year where they looked defensively vulnerable and far from their best.

Several key players were missing through injury including Stanway, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead and Alex Greenwood, but Wiegman named a strong starting XI.

Manchester United midfielder Clinton was trusted to fill the void left by midfielder Stanway and she excelled initially, switching play effectively and linking up nicely with club team-mate Ella Toone.

They combined early on when Clinton's through ball found Toone, but she dragged the ball inches wide of the far post with Russo unable to get on the end of it.

Minutes later, Bronze's brilliant delivery found Russo unmarked a few yards out and the Arsenal striker made no mistake, continuing her goalscoring form to give the Lionesses a deserved lead.

England looked much more assured in possession in the first half but once again, they allowed their opponents back into the game.

Portugal, who had showed glimpses of attacking threat with pace in wide positions during the first half, began to open the game up and capitalised on the visitors' dip.

The midfield trio of Clinton, Toone and Keira Walsh struggled to handle Nazareth when she was introduced – the Barcelona youngster was a surprise omission from Neto's team selection.

Midway through the half Nazareth found a pocket of space and drove towards the box before firing the ball superbly past goalkeeper Mary Earps for the equaliser.

"I felt the result was really fair for us. In the second half when we changed the formation, we were better," said Portugal boss Neto.

"When Kika [Nazareth] and other girls came in, they helped. This is something we want from all our players, to improve the team."

With the crowd buoyant and momentum clearly shifting in Portugal's favour, England were hanging on for the final whistle and despite a late header from Leah Williamson, were perhaps relieved in the end to come away with a point.

The result leaves them behind Nations League champions Spain, who came from 2-0 down earlier on Friday to beat Belgium 3-2 in the other match in Group A3.

Player of the match

L. Bronze
7.33
7 Kika Nazareth
6.55
17 Andreia Faria
5.66
21 Ana Capeta
5.56
8 Andreia Norton
5.41
19 Diana Gomes
5.41
3 Lúcia Alves
5.34
6 Andreia Jacinto
5.32
15 Carole Costa
5.29
1 Inês Pereira
5.28
2 Catarina Amado
5.26
9 Ana Borges
5.26
11 Tatiana Pinto
5.26
16 Diana Silva
5.25
14 Dolores Silva
5.15
5 Joana Marchão
5.08
10 Jéssica Silva
5.03
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