The Portuguese women’s soccer team will face England, reigning European champions, on July 1, near London, in a preparation match for the World Cup, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on Friday.
The match between Portugal and England is scheduled for 3:15 p.m. (Lisbon time) at the MK Stadium, in Milton Keynes, 70 kilometers from London, according to the FPF.
Before traveling to New Zealand, the team led by Francisco Neto, who will meet on June 19 at Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras, will also play against Ukraine on July 7 at Estádio do Bessa.
Speaking to the FPF press office, coach Francisco Neto stressed the importance of facing a strong team like England in preparation for the World Cup, a competition in which Portugal will debut.
“It is a very difficult game that will take place after the first two weeks of our internship. It will help us understand the state of the equipment at that time. It will be a precious indicator, knowing that, after the game, there will be three weeks of work left for our team. World Cup debut,” he said.
Francisco Neto, who announced the list of 23 for the World Cup at the end of May, said that playing against the current European champions “is always a privilege”, adding: “The game will simulate, in some way, the level of difficulty We’re going to meet in New Zealand.”
The Portugal coach expects a “very strong” England and recalled that the team has had an incredible campaign since coach Sarina Wiegman took over.”
“In recent times they have only lost to Brazil. It is a powerful team, very dominant, despite the absence of some players. It has a range of above-average athletes, who play in very competitive championships. This context of maximum demand and difficulty will surely make our players grow,” he said.
Portugal has never beaten the English team, with whom they played nine games, adding seven defeats and two draws, with four goals scored and 23 conceded.
In the 2023 World Cup, which takes place between July 20 and August 20, in Australia and New Zealand, Portugal will face runners-up Holland (July 23), Vietnam (July 27) and the defending champion United States. Trophy (August 1).
Source: TSF
