After naming their official Euro 2016 squad, England host fellow European giants Portugal for a friendly match at the Wembley Stadium on Thursday. The Three Lions approach this match following a morale-boosting win over Australia last Friday.
On the other hand, Fernando Santos' men are still fresh from a 3-0 thumping of Norway without their key forward Cristiano Ronaldo who was participating in the UEFA Champions League final in Milan. The two sides seem to have a similar record in their past three games. They have won lost one and won their two most recent games in that order.
England were beaten by the Netherlands at home on 29th March, while on the other hand, Portugal lost to Bulgaria four days before England’s loss to the Dutch. Since their last defeat, the two weekend opponents have played two matches each and have won each.
Portugal registered a crucial win over giants Belgium before beating Norway, while Roy Hodgson’s men beat Turkey and Australia before setting up a meeting with the Portuguese at Wembley.
England's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring on his debut against Australia last Friday
Back to Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star is set to miss this clash due fatigue as he tries to get himself fit for the European Championship. Speaking after scoring the winning penalty in the UCL final against Atletico Madrid, the 31-year-old said:
“[I am] very tired. I have [played] more than 4,000 minutes this season. I was the No1 in the team again for most minutes [played]. That means a lot to me: it means I am still good. I still feel good physically, mentally. If you ask me if I feel tired tonight, of course. [I have] a lot of minutes in the legs but I am still there; I am always there.
“I showed the team I am there for the good moments and the bad moments. This is what makes me feel proud.”
Match forecast
The Three Lions are undefeated in four of their last five friendly games, while Portugal have won three of their last four friendlies. Hence, fans from both sides should expect and explosive but balanced game, but the Englishmen have a higher chance of winning this one thanks to their home advantage, and the availability of a wide range of superstars to choose from.
Head to head
The last time the two sides met was back in the 2006 World Cup when Portugal won on post-match penalties following a goalless draw at the end of regular time.
Actually, the last four matches between these two sides have ended in draws.
Prior to the last four meetings, Portugal had beaten England 3-2 back in the Euro 2000, while England had won 3-0 in an international friendly played in 1998.
On paper, England seem to have a upper hand against the Portuguese. Out of their last 22 meetings, England have won nine, drawn eight and lost five.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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