Eriksson : We Will Beat Portugal

Sven-Goran Eriksson has reiterated his belief England will triumph in their World Cup quarter-final against Portugal.

The England manager was adamant the team would progress to a semi-final against either Brazil or France as they come up against the man who has masterminded their exit from the
last two major tournaments at the quarter-final stage, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Eriksson told Sky Sports News "I strongly believe we will win. I've always believed that and now we are in the quarter-final and we want to play in the semi-final and final.

"I said a long time ago that England will do a good World Cup.

"We are in the quarters - I think we can do better, play better and I think we will stay for a long time yet."

England have been the subject of much criticism for their less than convincing displays but Eriksson insists he is solely concerned with progressing in Germany.

"I don't care about that (the criticism) and we have a good chance to reach the semi-final so that is what matters.

"You like to play good football but the most important thing is to win or you are on the plane home."

The Swede would not divulge any details about the formation or make-up of the team although he admitted he had already made his mind up.

He did, however, reveal Gary Neville was expected to return after missing the last three games with injury.

"It is very good, he did everything today and didn't feel anything after training so I think he will be okay for Saturday but we have practice tomorrow and Friday.

"If we think it is a risk he will not play but as it stands today I don't think it is a risk."
Eriksson hopes England will raise their game on Saturday in the same way France did against

Spain in their last-16 tie last night.

"You haven't seen the best of us yet, hopefully it will come on Saturday," said the England boss.

"Congratulations to France, I know they have been criticised and they were in the same boat as us but they are playing in the quarter-final of the World Cup and that is very good.

"It's important to try to play good football but the most important thing is to win games."

After Portugal's explosive second-round victory over Holland they were criticised for gamesmanship but Eriksson insists he is not concerned about England's opponents cheating.

"I am not concerned about that. Absolutely not. It's an important game for us and for Portugal, I think we will win but I'm sure the Portugal manager will think Portugal will win and that's
good."

Eriksson also revealed FIFA delegates were sent to the team hotel to clarify rules ahead of the quarter-final.

"Two ex-referees came to talk about the new interpretation of the rules," he said.

"It was the second time they came, they are going to all the quarter-final teams. They talked about the offside rule, jewellery, tackles - the tolerance level is much less.

"They are going to all eight teams before the quarter-finals. That is FIFA's rule, just to have a check-up."

From : BBC