England Vs. Portugal : UPDATE

Quarter-final three
Gelsenkirchen
Saturday, 1 July
Kick-off: 1600 BST

Cristiano Ronaldo's chances of playing against England in Saturday's World Cup last-eight game appear slim after he missed a training session on Friday.

The Portugal winger has been receiving treatment on a thigh injury he suffered against Holland.

Frank Lampard will train with the England squad on Friday after recovering from a twisted ankle.

The Chelsea star suffered the injury on Thursday during a practice session but should be fit for the quarter-final.

England (probable): Robinson, Neville, Ferdinand, Terry, A Cole, Beckham, Lampard, Hargreaves, Gerrard, J Cole, Rooney.

Portugal (probable): Ricardo, Miguel, Carvalho, Meira, Valente, Petit, Maniche, Sabrosa, Figo, Ronaldo, Pauleta.

Referee: Horacio Elizondo (Argentina)

"I've spoken to Frank, he feels fine and he expects to train," a Football Association spokesman said.

If Lampard recovers as expected, he is set to partner Steven Gerrard in the centre of midfield.
Midfielder Michael Carrick will probably lose his place to fit-again Gary Neville.

The return of Neville, who suffered the setback a fortnight ago in the final training session before the group match with Trinidad and Tobago, would be a timely boost.

He first resumed training on Wednesday, and coach Sven-Goran Eriksson will ensure he has not suffered any reaction before including him in the starting line-up.

"I've trained and I'm available for selection," said Neville. "The manager will make the decision and whatever he decides I would go along with even though I am desperate to play."

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has masterminded England's last two exits from major tournaments, must rejig his side because of the Costinha and Deco suspensions.

Scolari, who guided Brazil to the 2002 World Cup and Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, may use Simao Sabrosa if Figo is moved from the wing into central midfield.

BIG MATCH STATS

Head-to-heads

England and Portugal have met 21 times. Overall, England have an overwhelming edge, having won nine and drawn nine, whilst losing only three times. In competitive matches, the sides are evenly matched at two victories apiece, whilst recording four stalemates.

These nations have each recorded a victory over the other at the World Cup. In 1966, hosts England defeated Portugal 2-1 in the semi-finals. Twenty years later, the Iberians avenged the defeat by beating England 1-0 in the group phase.

Their last meeting came in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004. Portugal triumphed after a tense penalty shoot-out that saw Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo slot home the winning spot kick.

Team facts - England

The 1966 world champions have only been eliminated in the knock-out stages by former world champions.

England are unbeaten since losing to Northern Ireland in September 2005.

Team facts - Portugal

Portugal have reached the quarter-finals for the second time and the first time in 40 years.

Their best World Cup was their debut appearance in 1966 when they finished third. They have never drawn a World Cup clash (16 matches).

Portugal have extended their unbeaten streak in competitive matches to 16 since losing the Euro 2004 final 1-0 to Greece. They qualified for this match by defeating Holland 1-0 in a second round match featuring 16 cards, which equals a World Cup record. The four players sent off represent a new World Cup record.

Player facts - England

Paul Robinson, Jamie Carragher and John Terry cannot afford another yellow if they are to avoid being suspended.

England have not lost a match with Peter Crouch on the pitch (won nine and drawn one in which Crouch has scored six times).

Theo Walcott will become the second youngest player ever at a World Cup at 17 years and 107 days old if he takes the field - only 66 days older than all-time record holder Norman Whiteside.

If Walcott nets, he will be the youngest ever goalscorer, beating Pele's record of 17 years and 239 days.

David Beckham is the most capped player in England's squad with 93 caps. He is now fifth on England's all-time list, and also the only English player to have scored in three different World Cups.

Player facts - Portugal

Costinha and Deco are suspended for this match after having been sent off against Holland.

Petit, Maniche, Nuno Valente, Ricardo and Luis Figo cannot afford another caution, having each been booked against Holland.

Cristiano Ronaldo became Portugal's youngest goalscorer at the World Cup by converting a penalty against Iran. Petit, Luis Figo, Pauleta and Nuno Gomes have become the first

Portuguese players ever to play at two World Cups. Figo is Portugal's most capped player, having represented his country 124 times.

Miscellaneous Info

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has won every match he has been in charge of at the World Cup. After seven victories with Brazil in 2002, his Portuguese team have won four out of four so far. England have been knocked out of the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 by a side led by Scolari, who's attempting to become the first coach to win the World Cup with two different nations.

Several team-mates will be running into each other. Chelsea employees John Terry, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole may face Portuguese players Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho and Maniche, while Manchester United's Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney may confront Cristiano Ronaldo.

Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports

From : BBC