Lionesses frustrated by Portugal

England v Portugal - Women's International Friendly
Lauren James of England runs with the ball against Portugal. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

England were held to a goalless draw by Portugal in their World Cup send-off match, watched by 26,267 at Stadium MK.

Georgia Stanway turned a Lauren Hemp cross against the crossbar at the end of a first half, in which England had more and better opportunities than their visitors.

Hemp headed narrowly over the top from Stanway’s corner soon after the restart, Chloe Kelly forced a save from Inez Pereira.

Lauren James played Alessia Russo through to round the keeper but Ana Borges cleared her shot off the line.

friendly match between England and Portugal at the Stadium MK
Portugal’s Jéssica Silva (L) vies with England’s Niamh Charles. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The chances continued to come as Lucy Bronze headed against the post from another Stanway corner, while Russo put a good opportunity wide.

A fright followed when Hemp’s back-pass beat Mary Earps but also the far post, while Laura Coombs had a double chance at the other end but her effort from on the deck was saved.

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