 Just two days to go now before the big one, and I just can’t wait.
England versus Portugal for a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup has got to be one of the biggest games I can remember.
Sven is sure to go with the same system as he employed last time out and, while it wasn’t a raging success against Ecuador, we’re sure to be in better form this time around.
Gary Neville looks like he’ll overcome his calf problem in time for a welcome return on Saturday, and that will give the manager something of a dilemma over Owen Hargreaves.
The lad has had his critics but has proved his worth in the last couple of games and I think he’s done enough to take Michael Carrick’s place in the centre of midfield.
Winning and keeping the ball will be paramount against the likes of Maniche and Tiago. While Carrick is better in possession, Hargreaves is more used to that anchor role and he will be vital in getting and giving for Stevie Gerrard, David Beckham and Joey Cole to do the business.
Paul Robinson has come in for a bit of stick this week after the stats showed his kicking finds its way to as many opposition players as it does England shirts.
I’m sure Ray Clemence has been working on that with him in training, but the simple solution is to throw the ball out. With a little fella like Wayne Rooney up front, there’s no need to kick it long – we couldn’t win any headers when Peter Crouch was playing, so we’ve got no chance now!
Robinson’s ability to deal with crosses was called in to question after the Sweden game, but when you’ve got big John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in front of you, Robbo will have every right to feel a bit let down.
Personally, I’m not worried about Robinson. While he’s not the greatest keeper England has ever produced, he’s steady, doesn’t make too many mistakes and, let’s not forget, has only conceded two World Cup goals so far.
In the other camp, Portugal will be without Deco and Costinha and we know they are big losses for Big Phil Scolari.
If Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t shake off his thigh problem, I can’t see any reason why England shouldn’t be preparing to take on either France or Brazil from Sunday morning.
That’s all for now, I’ll be back tomorrow.
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