Match Preview: Portugal VS England

✍️Gabriella Valentine

📸via Sky Sports

England travel to Estádio Municipal de Portimão for a 19:45 kick off against Portugal in their opening game of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

Last time in the UEFA Nations League:

In 2024, Portugal saw themselves in Group 2 alongside France, Austria and Norway.

At the end of their six matches, Portugal only managed to secure one of the six possible Estádio Municipal de Portimão wins; this was their first home match of the tournament.

Could we see a similar scenario play out in the 2025 Nations League, and could we see Portugal secure the win over the current European Champions?

England, however, in 2024 saw themselves in Group 1 alongside Belgium, Scotland and the Netherlands.

Despite England only securing four out of six possible wins, they saw themselves going head to head with the Netherlands for a spot in the final four.

As England took to the pitch to take on Scotland, we also saw the Netherlands face Belgium.

England fought until the end and regardless of Lucy Bronze’s last goal, which saw the Lionesses score six against their rivals, the Netherlands were able to pull out two last minute goal’s which ultimately secured them the spot in the semi-final.

The 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League, will see England and Portugal join with Belgium and Spain, to create Group 3.

Previous Meetings:

The last time the two sides met was during an international friendly in July 2023, despite the 0-0 draw, the Lionesses saw it as a time to develop connections with their dominant possession ahead of their Women’s World Cup Campaign.

However their last competitive meeting was during the 2017 Women’s Euro’s Group Stage, this saw the Lionesses win 2-1 in the Netherlands with goals coming from Nikita Parris and Toni Duggan.

Will we see a repeat of this fixture and see Parris prove her worth to Sarina Wiegman as she makes her return to the International Squad?

What will the Nations League determine?

The group standings at the end of the Nations League will determine which of the three leagues each team is placed in for the European Qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Following this there will be another draw in November 2025 to decide the groups of the three leagues.

Where to Watch:

The match is set to be played at the Estádio Municipal de Portimão at 19:45 on Friday 21st February and can be streamed in the UK on ITV.