England vs Portugal LIVE: Lionesses result and reaction from World Cup send-off

England 0-0 Portugal: Sarina Wiegman’s side were held to a goalless draw before they travel to Australia next week

'Very high' expectations on England's Lionesses at World Cup, Georgia Stanway says

England were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Portugal in their final match before the Lionesses head to the Women’s World Cup.

The hosts dominated possession and had several chances to take the lead at Milton Keynes but could not find the breakthrough, with Alessia Russo coming closest with a shot that was cleared off the line by Portugal defender Marques Borges.

Russo also dragged a chance wide after a pull-back from Chloe Kelly while Lucy Bronze hit the post from a corner during a flurry of second-half chances.

England fly to Australia later this week and play their opening match of the World Cup against Haiti on July 22. Before then the Lionesses will play Canada in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Brisbane.

Follow all the reaction the Lionesses were held by Portugal:

England vs Portgual

• FT! England can’t find the breakthrough as Portugal hold Lionesses to 0-0 draw
• OFF THE LINE! England get closer as Russo rounds goalkeeper but is denied (ENG 0-0 POR)
• SAVE! Chloe Kelly denied as England make changes at the break (ENG 0-0 POR)
• HT! Lionesses on top as Georgia Stanway hits top of the bar before the break (ENG 0-0 POR)
• England captain Millie Bright still unavailable due to knee injury

[1 July 2023 15:46 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

25 mins: The England subs are out warming up - with Alessia Russo and Beth England very much a reminder of the options the Lionesses have on offer.

[1 July 2023 15:44 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

22 mins: England take a corner short and work it back to Walsh - who overhits her cross to the back post. England are certainly looking to get the ball towards Daly when they can - and another ball there is cut out by the keeper Teixeira Pereira.

[1 July 2023 15:38 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

19 mins: Jess Carter is in a real battle with the Portugal forward Jessica Silva - which is one to keep an eye on as the visitors are not afraid to go long and try and play over the top.

[1 July 2023 15:37 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

17 mins: Walsh knocks a smart pass with the outside of her foot to Toone, who aims at goal from outside of the box. Daly was probably the option with the pass.

[1 July 2023 15:35 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

15 mins: James goes on the other side now and teases a tricky looking ball into the middle, which is just out of the reach of Daly. England getting closer.

[1 July 2023 15:32 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

12 mins: England’s wingers are going to cause other teams serious problems this summer. Lauren James is just ghosting into space for fun whenever she gets the ball, while Hemp is looking sharp on the other side.

Portugal look pretty dangerous on the break, too, especially considering how high England are playing.

[1 July 2023 15:27 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

7 mins: Georgia Stanway is enjoying herself early on - finding some nice pockets of space. Ella Toone concedes the free-kick on the right edge of the area - so England have some early defensive work to do.

Not the most convincing, but England clear.

From kick-off, Stanway ghosts through midfield with a silky nutmeg. Beautiful.

(Action Images via Reuters)

[1 July 2023 15:24 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

5 mins: SAVE! What a goal that would have been! England switch it well from right to left and find Hemp, who beats her defender and gets to the byline. Hemp stands up the cross and finds Rachel Daly at the back post - it has to be a goal, but no! The striker is denied by the goalkeeper Teixeira Pereira.

[1 July 2023 15:22 · Jamie Braidwood]

England 0-0 Portugal

3 mins: England look to start on the front foot and press Portugal high up the pitch. Georgia Stanway wins the ball back well and there are early touches for Hemp and James in the wide positions.

[1 July 2023 15:19 · Jamie Braidwood]

KICK-OFF! England 0-0 Portugal

Underway! There was a moment of silence for a former member of staff at the Lionesses before the players take the knee to applause. England are underway - and Alex Greenwood starts at left back. Jess Carter starts alongside Esme Morgan at centre-back.