England Women's 2025 UEFA Nations League campaign commenced with a 1-1 draw against Portugal Women in their League A Group 3 opener in Portimao.
Sarina Wiegman's European champions exploded out of the blocks in their opening tie of 2025 and deservedly went ahead through Alessia Russo with 15 minutes played, only for Kika Nazareth to strike a stunning leveller with 15 minutes left to play.
The timeless quality of Lucy Bronze was on show for the Lionesses' opener in the first half, where the Chelsea right-back took a delightful touch before sending in an inch-perfect cross for Russo to tap home from close range.
However, after a strong penalty shout for an apparent pull on Grace Clinton was waved away, England lost their momentum and faced a rejuvenated Portugal side after the break, for which the home side were eventually rewarded.
Navegadoras boss Francisco Neto turned to his bench on the hour mark, and such a move paid major dividends, as Nazareth shrugged off the attention of Clinton, charged into the area and curled a wonderful strike into the top corner beyond Mary Earps's reach.
Up until the final few moments in added time, the hosts looked the more likely to bag a critical second goal, but Wiegman's side escaped with a point, one that at least means they have now gone unbeaten in their first game of the last five calendar years.
A mouthwatering repeat of the 2023 World Cup final is next on the menu for England, who meet Spain at Wembley on Wednesday after the world champions dramatically defeated Belgium 3-2 in their opening game of the group.
Ben Knapton
