Key events
Sarina Wiegman has spoken ahead of kick-off, first telling ITV about leaving Russo on the bench today: “That was, first of all, a hard decision but she has done so well during the competition. She is in a really good place but as you know, we have other options in that positions.”
And on if Daly could start at the World Cup at nine: “I think she could be but I also think Alessia could be. We have one game to go.”
On what are she is hoping to see today: “I hope to see in the full backline that there is lot of partnership and up front. We want to keep the ball and go forward quickly and we don’t want to concede goals. We have practised some things that I hope to see today.”
And on starting Lauren James: “We have Robinson, Hemp , Kelly and James so they are all really close. We can make a tactical choice so no decision [on who will start at the World Cup] yet.”
As promised here is the Portugal line-up!
Starting XV: Pereira, Amado, Norton, Borges, J Silva, T Pinto, Dolores Silva, C Costa, Diana Silva, Gomes, Nazareth.
Subs: Morais, R Costa, Alves, Rebelo, Marchao, Jacinto, Rute, F Pinto, Seica, Mendes, Capeta, Encarnacao, Correia.
Alessia Russo, who has left Manchester United and is expected to join Arsenal, has spoken about how hard it is being the subject of transfer gossip. “Towards the end of the season it was tough and the summer has been tough,” Russo said. “You don’t like things in the media about you but that’s football and that’s the state of the women’s game. I just turned it off, took a break on holiday and completely switched off with all my friends and family. Coming back into an environment like this is perfect because you’re competing and all your focus is on England.” Read the full piece:
Have you signed up for our free weekly women’s football newsletter? It brings you exclusive interviews and all the news you need. This week is focuses on Marta and the Brazilian team, read it here:
This game and England’s behind-closed-doors match against Canada will help boss Wiegman determine who will be in the starting team for the World Cup. The manage said: “We’re getting closer [to knowing the starting XI], that’s clear. But we’re still trying out some things. In some positions I don’t know what the starting line-up will be. There’s still competition going on. That’s why we need those two games too, but it could also be the case that it’s not very clear what the starting XI is after those and in the next game we could make another tactical choice and start another player.”
Snack chat is back! If you have read one of my blogs before you will know I like to know what snacks you’re having while watching the game. For me today it is ready salted crisps, what have you got? Let me know via Twitter (when it is back up and running, I know a lot of people are having trouble loading it) or email.
The team news is in! England start Alex Greenwood after her injury with Esme Morgan and Jess Carter picking up a rare start. Alessia Russo starts from the bench with Rachel Daly at number nine.
England starting XI: Earps (C), Bronze, Walsh, Greenwood, James, Stanway, Daly, Toone, Hemp, Morgan, Carter.
Subs: Charles, Hampton, Wubben-Moy, Coombs, Kelly, England, Zelem, Roebuck, Russo, Le Tissier, Staniforth.
Portugal have not released their news, I’ll update you as soon as I know the team!
Preamble
Hello and welcome to England’s last match at home before the World Cup later this month. They take on Portugal in Milton Keynes in one of the last chances for players to demonstrate why they should start at the World Cup.
At the Euros last summer England coach Sarina Wiegman did not change her starting line-up once and so players should be keen to lay down a marker to impress the boss. The Lionesses have never lost to Portugal and so will be aiming to maintain the record. The two teams have faced each other four times with a draw and three England wins.
There were worries over whether Alex Greenwood would be fit for the game after sustaining an injury in training but she has been given the all clear. Millie Bright and Jordan Nobbs are not available for selection because of injury. Bright, who is captain for the World Cup with Leah Williamson out, said her return from her knee injury is going well.
The team news will be out shortly so stay tuned ahead of kick-off at 3.15pm BST.
