This game was their first since winning the World Cup in Japan against a lively Portugal team. With only two new players from last years World Cup winning squad, England proved too strong for the Portugal team who host the INAS FID European Championships in 2003.

On a damp afternoon England started well. In the 8th minute, a defence splitting pass from Ronnie Watson enabled debutant Kevin Smith to hold off a Portuguese challenge to finish in splendid style to put the 3 Lions one up.

Time after time Watson was a thorn in Portugal's side with tricky runs down the right hand side. After one such run he delivered a ball at pace to the near post only for Rudi Hall to blast over the bar. Hall, winner of the golden boot in Japan, also had a shot blocked in the 27th minute from a Watson free kick.

England were beginning to play the high tempo game that had characterised their play during the last year, and Wesley Jackman in the England goal did not have a shot to deal with.

After a very strong challenge, Kevin Smith had to be replaced by Sam Marks in the 38th minute, receiving a nasty gash on his foot that needed five stitches. Lyndon Lynch, England team manager, had to reshuffle the formation but to good effect.

With a quick interchange of passing in midfield, the ball found its way to Marks on the right hand side. A forceful run to the touchline and a whipped in a cross with pace, was too much for the Portuguese centre-back who could only head the ball onto his own crossbar, leaving birthday boy Rudi Hall (pictured) with a simple finish to make it 2-0 in the 40th minute.

The second half saw Lynch make four changes with David Ashmore, Harry Hunter, Chris Kempsley and Jason Wheeldon, replacing Daniel Cole, Malcolm Reilly, Danny Lineker and Wesley Jackman.

England continued to play good flowing football throughout the second half, although they were unable to break down the Portugal defence either though they had a number of good chances.

Speaking to TheFA.com, Lyndon Lynch commented:

"The experience of playing in Portugal has been invaluable. The planning and preparation for this friendly has been excellent and ensured a successful get together for players and staff.

"I was particularly delighted for Kevin Smith who scored on his debut and pleased with our overall contribution to a hard fought win. It gave me the opportunity to look at new players and try different formations which will benefit our preparations for the European Championships".

Man of the Match, as voted for by the Portuguese FA, was Paul Walters for his tenacity and the amount of ground he covered throughout the game.

England have a number of warm up matches and training weekends planned to prepare them for the challenges ahead, and TheFA.com will keep you up-to-date of their progress building up to the European Championships at the end of July 2003.

Team:

1. Wesley Jackman (Hunter 45 mins)
2. Daniel Cole (Wheeldon 45 mins)
3. Malcolm Reilly (Kempsley 45 mins)
4. David Young
5. Bradley Brotherton
6. Lee Whitelock
7. Paul Walters
8. Danny Lineker (Ashmore 45 mins)
9. Rudi Hall
10. Kevin Smith (Marks 38 mins)
11. Ronnie Watson
12. David Ashmore
13. Harry Hunter
14. Sam Marks
15. Jason Wheeldon
16. Chris Kempsley