Macca's memories

Steve McManaman doesn’t know how to react when you bring up the subject of Portugal.

Macca’s half-volley against the Portuguese at Euro 2000 was probably one of his finest moments in an England shirt.

But 40 minutes later came a real low, leaving the field with a twisted knee after tangling with Rui Costa - spelling the end of his tournament.

"Was it a good match for me – yes and no," says McManaman, who played at Real Madrid with Portugal's most celebrated star Luis Figo.

"It was great to score of course but it was very upsetting to come off with a damaged knee because I didn’t play again at Euro 2000 and we went out against Romania."

McManaman’s half-volley from a David Beckham cross had put Kevin Keegan’s England 2-0 ahead but Portugal – inspired by Figo – fought back to win 3-2.

McManaman, now reunited with Keegan at Manchester City, says the game summed up Portuguese football and doesn’t believe they have changed that much.

"They are a mythical team like Spain, great individual players but you never know if they are going to click.

"Portugal are fantastic one minute and quite the opposite the next minute.

"With the talent they have, you have to think they will go all the way in a major tournament sooner or later but the big thing is whether they click into gear – you can never predict what will happen."

McManaman is sure to be glued to his TV set on Wednesday though, and not only because of England.

"I certainly love watching Portugal play as well," he says. "Luis [Figo] and Rui Costa are phenomenal players and they have this attacking-minded formation which means they are great going forward but can leave themselves exposed at the back."