England enters the game having grinded their way through the first round and a round of 16 win against Ecuador. England has not been able to generate much on the offensive end, but its defense has been well organized and effective. A re-match of the 1966 World Cup semifinals! wow..
Today they take on a Portugal team that endured a brutal game against the Netherlands.They have played far better football, they seem to be playing in a fashion that suits the players and the coach is getting the most out of everyone. However, they are to be missing two vital midfield players in Deco and Costinha. Without these two key elements I think the England midfield will overwhelm the Portugese which will result in more chances going forward.
England and Portugal last met in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004 when the Portuguse won on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Apart from that game, Portugal have got the better of England on three other occasions. England have beaten Portugal nine times in 21 meetings, with the remainder drawn.
England are due a big performance and I expect it to come here, providing Sven plays a sensible formation . Portugal have impressed as a unit and I dont expect them to go down easily, or without a fight and even without those two players, this will be tough, no matter how well England play, but I think they will have enough. Expect a big game from Rooney. Everyone has lot of expectations on him including Maradona . They need to get all ingredients right .
Historically, England have been the better team. England have a goalkeeper of genuine quality in Paul Robinson, but his recent performances have left a question mark hanging in the air.
Against Ecuador, Wayne Rooney played as a lone striker in a 4-5-1 formation, a role he is not that accustomed to.
I don’t think Rooney naturally leads the line but he is such a good player that given time he would probably learn to do it very well.
If you want to get the best out of him, you have to play him up front with someone because he likes to drop between the midfield and attack and turn to face the play.
But my gut feeling is that Sven will keep the same team against Portugal and if that’s the case Rooney has to play like he did in the second half against Ecuador. And what about Beckam ?
Beckham………….Pure class, Tabloids SHUT YOUR MOUTH !!!!!!!!
Houston we have a problem…………………..
and he is called Frank Lampard.
He CANNOT play in the same team as Steve Gerrard. Full stop.
I am sure that as soon as Sven realises this, he will drop him.
Four games, no defeats, and we’re into the quarters; the football’s not been beautiful yet, but the results are what count.
England will through to the semis . And the Cup .... who knows ..Beckam will get an another free kick from 30 yards .