Portugal v England: Women’s Nations League – live | Women’s Nations League

11 min: Lovely play from England. Clinton and Russo link and Toone shoots wide. Corner given – for some reason. The ball is cleared – justice done. But England are playing far better.

9 min: It’s been low-key, England not starting at their usual rate of knots. But here’s James, powering down the wing, and smashing a shot at goal. It’s wide but better. Like brother Reece, she’s been let down by her physiology, but is such a talent.

7 min: Clinton and Williamson get in a mess with a ball played out of play. Bronze was bombing on. Portugal crisper in possession.

6 min: Toone links with James but cleared, then Russo wriggles and arrows a ball at Toone. Again, it doesn’t get there. The radar slightly off for now.

4 min: Portugal passing the ball around neatly; that’s a good test for Wiegman’s squad.

Austria 1-0 Scotland
Italy 1-0 Wales
Spain 3-2 Belgium

Spain scored twice in the moments beyond 90. They lead England’s group as a result.

2 min: Close already, with Park clipping the ball in, Grace Clinton standing in for Georgia Stanway also involved. Toone attempts a flick but her aim is off.

1 min: It’s a small crowd, and stadium as the players take the knee. Instantly, they win a corner.

Here we go in Portugal as England begin Euros year in the Nations League. The national anthems first.

Earps over Hannah Hampton in goal is a big call. Reminder: Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Beth Mead, Georgia Stanway and Lotte Wubben-Moy are all injured.

Changes afoot from the preceding friendly against Switzerland. Eight changes, with Millie Bright, Jessica Park and Grace Clinton the three survivors.

Lauren James starts, Chloe Kelly is on the bench after her move to Arsenal.

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.

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.