The team led by Francisco Neto is preparing to return to the European women's first division and the debut could not be more challenging, when they host England, the reigning European champions, on Friday in Portimão.

“We know it's a tough game, a very strong team, they're the European champions, but I think that throughout this time we've shown that we're ready to face England eye to eye", the Benfica player began by saying, in a press conference held at Cidade do Futebol, in Oeiras.

For the 27-year-old full-back, the secret to making the game as difficult as possible for the favourites of the Three Lions team is to be "together until the end" in the debut in Group 3, five days before facing Belgium, on the 26th, in Heverlee.

After several months away from the pitch due to an injury to her left knee, Lúcia Alves only returned to competition in December 2024, having played 11 games so far, ensuring that she did everything she could to be, once again, under Francisco Neto's orders.

“It’s been a difficult four months, but it’s a privilege to be here again, to serve my country and to be with these people. It was in July, but Lúcia from July did everything to be here today”, he revealed.

In addition to the English and Belgian teams, the latter of which are emerging as the Portuguese team's main rivals in the fight to remain in the top flight, group 3 also includes Spain, the current world champion and winner of the Nations League last year.