Out comes the sun in Milton Keynes as Rachel Daly forces the first save with a header but Ines Pereira gets down to scramble it away.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think Carter in the centre looks very comfortable already. It's going to be interesting on the right with Lucy Bronze getting forward. Lauren James is going to have a lot of defensive responsibility with Bronze so it will be interesting to see how that partnership works.

Lauren Hemp looks to skip away down the wing but is thwarted by a decent challenge before England come again after keeper Mary Earps, who is captaining the Lionesses, takes her first touch.

Image source, Getty Images

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Portugal have made a lot of progress, not only technically, but tactically as well.

A really good test for the Lionesses today, here against Portugal.

Lots of noise from the stands as the Lionesses spray it around from kick-off. The early exchanges are taking place deep inside Portugal's half.

England's World Cup send-off is under way after both sets of players take the knee.

Image source, Getty Images

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

For me, today is not about proving anything. It is about building on the nuances that they have been working out in recent weeks.

It's about really tidying things up before the team leaves for Australia.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Stadium MK

Image source, BBC Sport

Absent England captain Leah Williamson is in the stands behind us.

She was on her feet with a big smile on her face singing the national anthem with her arm around her mum.

The national anthems are done. We're almost ready for kick-off. Will England be heading to Australia with a win under their belt?

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Sarina Wiegman thinks of every single situation and permutation and plans for it long before it even happens. I think regardless of what we see today, we are in a different situation to the Euros. The opposition is going to be different, the style of play is going to be different, but we have the versatility to change.

Ellen White
Former England striker on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think as England, we are very blessed to have three unbelievable strikers and I think whoever was selected would do a great job. But the form that Rachel Daly is in at the moment is just phenomenal. I'm delighted for her, and can Alessia be that impact player again, coming off the bench?

I'm very excited to see what Rachel will do up front for England.

Flames leap into the air and there is a standing ovation from thousands of fans as the Lionesses emerge from the tunnel.

This is a very good crowd.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

I think for me, in my mind, I was always really excited about the last game before the tournament being an opportunity to work any kinks out a little bit and put things right that has been nagging at you.

The quality is going to be there, so I think it should be a good result for England today. But in terms of are the nerves there, I think the girls are just focused on doing what they can and they're certainly capable of winning it.

Leah Williamson, whose World Cup dream has been shattered by injury, is at Stadium MK to wave off the Lionesses.

Image source, Getty Images

Bayern Munich midfielder Georgia Stanway is earning her 50th cap for England, but said there is not enough time to pause and appreciate the moment.

"I think in football, it's really difficult to become reflective," added Stanway, who made her senior debut in November 2018.

"Football doesn't rest and time doesn't stand still, so it's kind of one thing after another."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport at Stadium MK

The obvious choice would be to play Alex Greenwood at centre-back with Jess Carter on the left.

But having watched the warm-ups, there’s a suggestion Greenwood may actually be lining up in the full-back role which is interesting.

Greenwood and Millie Bright are the centre-back pairing everyone is expecting to see at the World Cup.

Karen Bardsley
Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

Image source, Rex Features

It's terrifying how fast time is moving! It's really exciting and I can't wait to get to the game today and then turn our attention to Australia.

I think today is, much like Sarina said in her press conference, it's going to be a different test. Portugal are going to ask to ask some different questions, maybe around direct counter-attacks and things like that. They've got some really skilful players and fantastic ability but they lack a bit of discipline.

You might see that in the early stages so [it's about] how can England capitalise on those kinds of opportunities and really be ruthless in front of goal.

Image source, .

Sarina Wiegman would have preferred more friendlies in the run-up to the Women's World Cup, but will use this match to continue firming up her starting XI to face Haiti on 22 July.

This is England's first game since losing to Australia on 11 April. The European champions play Canada in a behind-closed-doors friendly on 14 July before starting their campaign.

"I'm satisfied with this preparation, and of course, yes, we would have wanted to play a little more games, but this is the schedule we have," said England boss Wiegman.

"And you want to do what's best in preparation, but also what fits in the schedule from a physiology point of view.

"So, we're happy with this, these are the facts, we have to travel to the other side of the world too which needs some time to adapt to, and then we go into the group stage. So, we're ready."

Portugal

Portugal's Jessica Silva, speaking to ITV: "What a beautiful atmosphere. The game hasn't started and I can already feel the energy of the people. I am grateful for the opportunity to play England again.

"This is a friendly game but it is preparation for what is coming. In the Euros I think we had a good journey but we had a chance to be better than we were. I think Portugal deserves to be in these kinds of atmospheres at the World Cup, so let's do it.

"We really like to play football, we really enjoy to make special things on the pitch so it becomes natural. We really enjoy playing football."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, PA Media

Around 15 minutes to kick-off and England fans have turned up in force to wave the Lionesses off to Australia.

Stadium MK is filling nicely.