England 0-0 Portugal: Player ratings as Lionesses end World Cup preparations with draw

FROM STADIUM MK - England were held to a 0-0 draw by Portugal, continuing their poor run of form ahead of this summer's World Cup.

The Lionesses failed to break down Portugal in Milton Keynes and now head to the World Cup without winning a game in 90 minutes since February.

Sarina Wiegman tested the waters with new partnerships across the pitch, trying to find the perfect formula to get her team back to winning ways.

But this plan fell short as England struggled for the majority of the game, failing to capitalise on chances and ultimately not looking like a side that is ready to head to a World Cup in just under three weeks.

After losing 2-0 to Australia in April - ending a 30-game unbeaten streak since September 2021 - Wiegman opted to play Esme Morgan in the vacant centre-half spot with Millie Bright still missing due to a knee injury, while Rachel Daly took the starting number nine spot from Alessia Russo.

But England looked anything but threatening for the first half and were unable to find a breakthrough.

It was clear that the question marks for Wiegman over who should start as the first-choice wingers and striker were not answered, forcing her to make half-time changes - something she has rarely done in her tenure as England boss.

Daly, Ella Toone and Alex Greenwood came off, with the trio replaced with Russo, Chloe Kelly and Niamh Charles.

Russo's introduction injected a new pace and fight into the side, nearly ending up with the breakthrough after rounding the goalkeeper, forcing some impressive last-ditch defending from Portugal's backline before her second attempt was sent just wide of the goal.

England were ultimately unable to break the deadlock and will now head to the World Cup without winning a game outright since the Arnold Clark Cup in February - not the vote of confidence the Lionesses would have wanted ahead of such an important summer.

What does this result mean for England ahead of the World Cup?

Wiegman predicted a tough opponent in Portugal, speaking in her pre-match press conference where she detailed the technicality and possession-driven determination of the side that proved tricky for England to navigate at times.

However, the Lionesses now head into a major tournament with reduced confidence after struggling to breakdown a tactical and defensive Portuguese side.

What was evident for the first half is that England did not seem like the formidable team that was crowned European champions 11 months ago. They had to find a new winning formula, given that five of her starting XI from the previous summer were ineligible for this game via injury or retirement, but Wiegman's side did not look ready for the World Cup.

Daly might win the battle for the starting striker position, but there were several chances that the Aston Villa star should have put away to give England a lead that never came.

Russo's introduction gave a new lease of life to England, leaving the question open for Wiegman - is she better as an impact sub? But not being clinical in front of goal is one issue Russo still struggles with and that was evident again.

Lauren James being moved into the number 10 role behind Russo certainly provided a pivotal threat that was desperately needed in order to give the Lionesses a chance at breaking down Portugal, also giving Wiegman food for thought about reverting back to a 4-2-3-1 formation which she has opted against recently due to the plethora of injuries.

Ahead of such a big summer for Wiegman and the 23 players heading Down Under, this game was not only a test to see how the team would cope without the likes of Leah Williamson but should have been a confidence boost to try and reset their winning streak. Yet it now seems to have created more doubt about how well England are prepared for the tournament.

England Player Ratings (4-3-3)

GK: Mary Earps - 6/10 - Had little to do, though was once caught scampering to prevent a back-pass from crossing the line.

RB: Lucy Bronze - 6/10 - Looked a little tired but her link up with James on the right was vital.

CB: Jess Carter - 6/10 - Had some nervy moments at the start but did well in a new partnership and held down the back line well.

CB: Esme Morgan - 7/10 - Much improved from her last venture in an England shirt.

LB: Alex Greenwood - 6/10 - Coming off the back of a minor injury but link up with Hemp was strong. Subbed at half-time.

CM: Georgia Stanway - 8/10 - Probably England's best player for the majority of the game.

CM: Keira Walsh - 7/10 - Looked quite fatigued and was less involved as she usually is.

CM: Ella Toone - 5/10 - Failed to break into the game and struggled to provide additional attacking options. Subbed at half-time.

RW: Lauren James - 7/10 - Moving into the number 10 spot was more beneficial for the Lionesses, did well to attack alongside Russo.

CF: Rachel Daly - 6/10 - Missed several chances to give England the lead that a striker of her calibre should have put away. Subbed at half-time.

LW: Lauren Hemp - 6/10 - Dominated the left flank incredibly well, and put in the defensive miles when needed as well.

Substitutes

Alessia Russo (46' for Daly) - 8/10 - Changed the pace and injected a new attack into England at half time.

Chloe Kelly (46' for Toone) - 7/10 - Used her pace incredibly well and link ups at the front were much improved with her introduction.

Niamh Charles (46' for Greenwood) - 6/10 - Was kept quiet but made good contributions.

Laura Coombs (65' for Walsh) - 5/10 - Did well to hold up the midfield, but by that point, England's frustrations were showing.

Katie zelem (65' for Stanway) - 5/10 - Played well but was lacking a bit of magic that England needed.

Katie Robinson (81' Hemp) - N/A

Manager

Sarina Wiegman- 6/10 - Lots of questions still left for the England boss as the team failed to find a way through.

Player of the match - Georgia Stanway