PORTIMAO, Portugal (Reuters) -European champions England could only muster a 1-1 draw with Portugal to kick off their Nations League campaign on Friday, with Kika Nazareth's late goal cancelling Alessia Russo's early strike in a disappointing opener for England.

England 's Nations League campaign got off to a frustrating start as they were held to a 1-1 draw in Portugal. Following a bright start to their opening Group A3 match, Alessia Russo put the Lionesses in front after slotting home from Lucy Bronze's brilliant cross from the right flank.

The two other 2023/24 Nations League semi-finalists, the Netherlands and Germany, drew 2-2 as Austria won in Group A1, 1-0 against Scotland. In Group A4, Sweden won 2-1 in Denmark and Italy defeated Wales 1-0.

The UEFA Women's Nations League is comprised of a league stage, where teams are broken into three separate leagues based on their UEFA national team coefficient ranking. The league stage comprises of League A, League B and League C.

Spain score twice in injury-time to complete a stunning comeback win in their Women's Nations League opener against Belgium.

Spain kicked off their Women's Nations League title defence by fighting back to snatch a thrilling 3-2 win over Belgium on Friday while European champions England were held to a 1-1 draw in Portugal.In the same section,

Women's Nations League holders Spain kicked off the new edition by fighting back to snatch a thrilling 3-2 win over Belgium on Friday in Group A3. England face Portugal in the other match in the group later Friday,