Sarina Wiegman says Lionesses 'could have done better' after being held to 1-1 draw by Portugal

React to this story

England drew 1-1 with Portugal in their opening match of the 2025/26 Nations League campaign in Group A3. Away from home, the Lionesses initially dominated and went into half-time with a one-goal advantage, which could have been more. But Portugal’s second half changes made all the difference for the home side, who earned a well deserved draw late on courtesy of Kika Nazareth.

Houghton backs 'different' Kelly to make most of England call-up ahead of Euro 2025

Video credit: TNT Sports

England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her frustration after the Lionesses were pegged back and held to a 1-1 draw at Portugal in their UEFA Nations League opener.

England might have hoped for sunshine when they took on Portugal - but they were greeted by scenes more reminiscent of home, with rainy skies overhead for their match in Portimao.

But despite the dreary conditions, the Lionesses looked lively in the opening minutes, Alessia Russo causing some problems for the Portuguese defence, Ella Toone dragging a shot wide with Lauren James also having a go at goal in the opening ten minutes.

UEFA Women's Nations League

Barcelona confirm Bonmati out for five months with broken leg following surgery

02/12/2025 at 16:16

It was no surprise when England finally breached the Portuguese defence - James spotting Lucy Bronze out wide, who controlled the ball beautifully before firing a cross into the middle of the box for Russo to score.

Niamh Charles needed treatment after a late tackle that earned Catarina Amado a yellow card - but fortunately, she could carry on, temporarily, at least easing Wiegman’s injury woes.

England continued to press throughout the first half, with Russo nearly getting a second on the stroke of half-time. But that second goal eluded the Lionesses - something that caused Wiegman some frustration after the match.

The rain contrived to get even heavier as the players came back out, and the second half saw a much brighter Portugal side start to press and test the English defence.

The pressure built and built, with some substitutions making a difference for the home side - Ana Capeta replacing Jessica Silva, after Francisca Nazareth, Andreia Jacinto and Lucia Alves all came on at the 59-minute mark.

The equaliser came courtesy of Nazareth, who had been a surprise omission from the starting line-up. She spun away from Grace Clinton, unleashing a beautiful strike into the top corner that left Mary Earps with no chance.

England pressed late on but could not find a winner, with Nazareth a continued threat at the other end right the way up until the final whistle.

Considering that the Lionesses are missing some key names, a draw is not a bad result - but given their dominance in the first half, there are questions that Wiegman needs to find answers to before England face Spain next week.

"Of course, I had hoped to come away with more," Wiegman said afterwards to ITV.

"We played a very good first half, if we had got some more goals that would have helped. The second half they changed shape and we had to adapt.

"They brought a lot more players up front, they changed shape and we were figuring it out and in the end we did figure it out… but they did score their goal really well but we could have done better there, we know that.

"Then we pushed but unfortunately we couldn’t get that other goal. I’m just thinking about next Wednesday, we have work to do. Spain will be a tough game again."

Spain came back from 0-2 down against Belgium, with a thrilling injury-time winner to take the match 3-2, and the world champions will be full of confidence as a result when they visit Wembley next week.

Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+

Euro

'We were better on the pitch' - Bonmati laments 'cruel' shoot-out loss to England

28/07/2025 at 09:48

Euro

'Crazy mentality' - Wiegman hails Bronze after defender plays through Euro 2025 with fractured tibia

27/07/2025 at 23:43

Related Matches

Portugal

England