Captain Beckham believes England are well prepared for the crunch quarter-final clash to be held in Lisbon, and says the team will learn from past upsets to help them through to the next round.

In the 2002 World Cup, England crashed out to Brazil in the quarter-final stage, but this time around Sven's side have been firing on all cylinders.

England are the tournament's top goalscorers so far with eight goals, and Beckham was full of optimism as he looked ahead to the country's next challenge.

He said: "I think we learnt a lot from big competitions in the past and going out in certain stages. Going out to Brazil was disappointing and we've all learnt form that, but we feel stronger and the togetherness has never been better so we're well prepared.

"We are keeping our feet on the ground. We're happy so far. We all have our dreams but we can't look beyond the next game yet. After that we'll see what happens."

And Beckham also believes Michael Owen is on the verge of ending his difficult run in front of goal as the whole team is contributing to finding the back of the net.

He added: "The goals have given us a lot of confidence and I think Michael Owen deserved a goal in the last game, he worked so hard and made chances. Everyone knows about Wayne Rooney and they are both important parts of the team.

"The good thing about having two strikers like ours is that we still have a great goalscorer in Owen. His record in internationals is amazing and no one is doubting him.

"Portugal have a great team and players. I'm biased, but I think we've got the best team. We're very confident - you have to be and all of us are."

If the scores end level tomorrow night then the match will go to a silver goal - and then a penalty shoot-out.

Beckham remains confident that spot kicks will not be required to decide the game, however.

He insists no special training will take place to prepare the players for that scenario, but says practice will be taking place to defend set-pieces.

All four goals against England so far have come from dead ball situations and Beckham added: "We're not preparing for a shoot-out but we're not worrying about it. We'd rather win it in ninety minutes.

"We can't afford to concede more goals from set pieces but we've got the defenders to deal with the threat of Portugal and we have to be prepared.

"We know a few more games and we can be in the final but we can't look too far ahead.

"I dont think any of us are nervous because this is our job and what we are paid to do. This is one of the biggest games."

All England players will wear black armbands for tomorrow (thurs) night's game in tribute of England supporter Stephen Smith who was tragically killed in Portugal after England's win over Croatia.

To listen to the full press conference with David, click on one of the links below.

22 June 2004  
David Beckham Press Conference - AUDIO

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