Women's International Friendlies: Where to watch Portugal vs England live on October 8

Topics: TV Schedules, TV Listings, Friendlies, Portugal, England

The two sides have not had an impressive number of victories in recent times but will go head-to-head in Tuesday's epic battle.

Preview

England's struggles after the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup have refused to go away with the side failing to win its fifth successive game since the finals. The Lionesses we're set up against Brazil at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough and a brace by Debhina proved to be enough to condemn the hosts to a 2-1 defeat with Bethany England grabbing the consolation.

Indeed, the outcome barely reflects what is expected from the side that was virtually a win away from making it to the finals in France a few month ago. Since beating Norway to finish with a bronze medal, England has registered just a draw from five outings, losing the remaining four games.

Justifiably so, Portugal will relish it's chances against their European counterparts although their run isn't exactly as inspiring as one would want it to be. The Selecao failed to qualify for the last edition of the Women's World Cup and have so far managed three wins from their last seven outings.

Team news: Who is injured or suspended for Portugal vs England

England will be without Jill Scott as a result of an injury. Also, Fran Kirby, Millie Bright, Demi Stokes and Abbie McManus will all be unavailable for the encounter.

Manchester City's Melissa Lawley and the uncapped Aoife Mannion have received call ups and could potentially make the starting XI on Tuesday.

For hosts Portugal, no player is currently injured or unavailable.

What is the head to head record of Portugal vs England?

Both Portugal and England have met eight times in the past. The former is yet to record a single win with the Lionesses registering two draws and six wins.

The most recent meeting between the pair was in July 2017 where Phil Neville's ladies recorded a 2-1 victory away. All in all, there has been a total of 26 goals scored in the fixture - 22 going for England while the Portuguese have a meagre return of just four.

Predicted starting XI for Portugal vs England:

Portugal: Inês Pereira, Silvia Rebelo, Marchão, Cláudia Neto, Tatiana Pinto, Melissa Gomes, Vanessa Malho, Diana Gomes, Ana Borges, Jéssica da Silva, Andreia Norton.

England: Telford; Daly, Williamson, Mannion, Greenwood; Bronze, Walsh; Lawley, Staniforth, Mead; England.

What are the managers saying ahead of Portugal vs England?

Francisco Neto, Portugal: "England are very strong. They are a team that has always been fighting for the titles in international competitions.

"They had a brilliant World Championship in the summer. They proved to be a highly competitive team.

"Although they lost at the weekend against Brazil, the team was stronger and more dominant in the game.

"The British players are in the best teams and championships in Europe. They will come here at full strength.

"It will be a very difficult game for us, but it was what we wanted when we accepted the invitation to face England. We like the most demanding challenges."

Phil Neville, England: "If I thought it wasn't working, if I thought the players had switched off and weren't listening to my messages, I would be the first to say we need to change.

"I'm not the kind of manager that hangs around waiting for a pay out - I want this team to do well.

"I still believe in what we are doing and so do the players. We are in an era now - we saw it in the Premier League this week - you lose two or three games and all of a sudden it's 'out'. People are calling for your head.

"It's gone that well for the last 18 months that this period might be what we need - a kick up the backside, a jolt."