England Lionesses Women's World Cup send-off - what we learned

England drew 0-0 with Portugal in their send-off friendly before heading to the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Sarina Wiegman's team created plenty of opportunities at Stadium MK but were unable to make a breakthrough in Saturday afternoon's game.

Mail Sport takes a look at a few talking points from the draw as the Lionesses gear up for their World Cup campaign.

Wiegman's striker conundrum

It looked as if Alessia Russo had cemented her place as first-choice striker following Ellen White's retirement but Rachel Daly, who played at left-back during the Euros, was given the nod against Portugal.

Russo was used as a super-sub at the Euros and came off the bench at half-time on Saturday, but then wasted three good chances.

Bethany England, who scored 12 goals in 12 games for Tottenham after January, was an unused substitute.

'The last Euros, Ellen and Alessia were a team because Ellen would start and then Alessia would finish,' Wiegman said.

'Now we chose three centre-forwards in our squad, Rachel, Alessia and Bethany [England].

'It's disappointing [they didn't score], they want to take those chances. Today they didn't. It's not a worry for me.'

Uncertainty over the defence

It had been assumed that Leah Williamson's injury would mean Alex Greenwood playing at centre-back alongside Millie Bright, assuming the latter is fit in time for the first group game.

But Greenwood is the only left-sided defender in the squad and Wiegman played her at full-back, with Jess Carter at centre-back.

Esme Morgan got the nod over Lotte Wubben-Moy as the other centre-back, which would indicate that she will be first reserve if Bright is not ready for the first World Cup match.

Morgan and Carter both put in solid performances but were rarely tested.

Toone the impact sub again?

Wiegman started Ella Toone as the 10 with Lauren James and Lauren Hemp on either wing. But England looked much better when Chloe Kelly came on for Toone and James moved into the middle.

Like Russo, Toone was an impact sub at the Euros and may be better in that role at the World Cup.

'I think the competition in that position is so high,' Wiegman said. 'So you can't say, 'Now this is who we start'.

'They all bring something different and Katie Robertson is also knocking on the door. We have options and that's just really good.'

Can England break down stubborn opponents?

Like other teams who have stopped England from scoring in recent months, Portugal set up to frustrate — and it worked.

The Lionesses tend to struggle against teams that defend deep and several stoppages for Portugal players needing treatment meant they were unable to get into a rhythm.

England's group opponents may employ similar tactics at the World Cup. But the chances Wiegman's side created in the second half should give encouragement.

Williamson and Mead leave a void

Bright may be back in time for the World Cup but two players who won't were sat in the stands at MK.

Leah Williamson and Beth Mead played huge parts in England's Euro success at opposite ends of the pitch.

The Lionesses missed Williamson's ability to play through the lines and they could have done with Mead's clinical scoring touch. Filling the void of both players is still something Wiegman has to solve.