Five star Lions

England survived an early scare to maintain their 100 per cent record in Group A of the INAS-FID European Championships, courtesy of a convincing 5-1 victory over Portugal at Curzon Ashton.

Alan Gillett will be delighted that his side kept their composure after conceding the opening goal totally against the run of play.

After 17 minutes, a Portuguese free-kick was floated into the penalty area and with England unable to clear, Guilherme Silva pounced, to curl the ball past Wes Jackman.

A succession of early corners was England's scant reward for an opening quarter they completely controlled, though they failed to create many clear cut chances. A snapshot from Dean Earle on seven minutes was their best opportunity until Royce Greenidge equalised for the Three Lions after 24 minutes.

A deep James Morris cross from the left was taken down well by Greenidge at the far post and he swept the ball confidently beyond 'keeper Andre Gomes.

England deservedly doubled their lead barely two minutes later. James Morris was again involved, his inswinging corner forced home by Earle.

With England enjoying the majority of possession, this duo combined well again on the half hour mark, only for Earle to loop the ball narrowly over the top.

It wasn't too long however, before England scored a third. Captain, Ronnie Watson, broke down the right flank and cut the ball back across the box. Gomes attempted to collect, but spilled the ball at the feet of Scott Curley who extended England's lead.

Watson got himself on the scoresheet just before half-time after a terrible mix-up between Favio Silva, Flavio Borrego and Gomes allowed the skipper to fire the ball emphatically into an empty net to give England a 4-1 lead at the break.

A fifth -and final - goal in the opening minutes of the second half effectively ended Portugal's chances of a comeback. Scott Curley claimed his second of the game, hooking the ball over his head and into the back of the net from close range following a knock down from Dean Earle.

England's wide men, Morris and Greenidge, were on a constant menace and the former will be pleased with his consistent deliveries into the box, both in open play and from set pieces.

The only slight concern for Alan Gillett will be the fact that Danny Cole and Ronnie Watson picked up injuries towards the end of the game, however, both will be hopeful of being involved against Hungary at the weekend.

With the exception of Guilherme Silva's strike, Wes Jackman's goal was rarely threatened during the 90 minutes and England's European Championship campaign has now seen them score 15 goals in two matches.

With a solid rear guard and a potency in attack, the Three Lions will be full of confidence going into Saturday's final group game against Hungary, which will determine the winners of Group A.