Key events
The teams
Portugal: Pereira, Borges, Costa, Gomes, Amado, Silva, Pinto, Marchao, Norton, J. Silva; D. Silva. Subs: Capeta, Costa, Dias, Faria, Jacinto, Mendes, Morais, Nazareth, Ribeiro, Rute, Seica; Sousa Alves.
England: Earps, Bronze, Charles, Walsh, Bright, Williamson, Park, Clinton, Russo, Toone; James. Subs: Morgan, Hampton, Le Tissier, Turner, Carter, Kelly, Naz, Beever-Jones, Parris, Moorhouse, Mace; Blindkilde-Brown.
Bronze on her lineage: “I have little Portugal flags on my boots actually. My parents met in the Algarve strip years and years ago” said Bronze, speaking at a media conference in Portugal.
“I have always been in good contact with the Portuguese federation. They are a team I always root for. I always hope for the best for them and I hope they do well in the Nations League – just not against us. My first ever kit was a Portugal kit.
“I spent all my holidays in this area and played most of my football here outside. It influenced me a lot. I’m just as proud to be Portuguese as I am to be English.”
It’s been a busy week of news in women’s football. Lucy Bronze was eligible to play for Portugal.
Preamble
The Lionesses return to action with the return of the Nations League, and a trip to Portugal. It’s Euros year, and the defending champions need to find their formula, with time ebbing away. Sarina Wiegman’s selections will be instructive, as will the performances. There’s a few absentees in Georgia Stanway, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, who are all injured but these days England ache with talent. It’s Wiegman’s job to get it working together. Portugal are decent but beatable opposition.
Kick-off is at 7.45 UK time. Join me.
