He is likely to start on the right but is able to switch flanks at a moment's notice or move in field to play a killer pass.

He possesses a similar threat from free-kicks to David Beckham and is lethal from 25 yards.

All England fans remember his astonishing 35-yard goal against the Three Lions at Euro 2000 and he is no less potent four years on.

Strengths

There is so much creativity in the Portuguese side it is frightening! Deco's roving role can cause real problems, and with quality out wide in the shape of Figo and Ronaldo, Portugal are capable of stretching any defence.

Maniche has also been hugely impressive so far in the centre of the field, while Costinha provides defensive balance, sitting in front of the back four and rarely crossing the half-way line.

England Head Coach Sven-Göran Eriksson describes Portugal as the most technically gifted team in the tournament and believes they play in the style of Brazil.

Weaknesses

Portugal's midfield is skilful and fluid, but there are questions mark over their ability to cope with the power and drive of players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.

Will they have the discipline to follow Lampard, Scholes or Gerrard all the way into their own penalty box?

There may also be an issue over finishing. Portugal create chances, but have scored only four times from 49 shots in the tournament so far.

In defence there have been improvements, but there could still be major opportunities for England from set-pieces. If Rooney can drag Costinha with him when he drops deep there could be space for Gerrard and Lampard to move into.

Goalkeeper

Ricardo - incidentally not the Ricardo who played for Manchester United by the one from Sporting Lisbon - has come into the team this tournament and done well enough.

He is carrying a slight injury but insists he will be fit to face England.

Defence

Could be weak on set pieces but have improved since the opening game against Greece.

Chelsea's new signing Paul Ferreira has been dropped at right-back and replaced by Miguel, who likes to get forward.

The central pairing of Jorge Andrada and Ricardo Carvalho looks mobile and strong, with Nuno Valente at left-back.

Midfield

Portugal's strength, with creativity and width. Deco has almost a free role, able to roam wherever he wants. Figo and Ronaldo often switch flanks, while Maniche's passing and midfield running is skilful and creative.

Attack

With just one man up front, England's defence have to be alert to the runners from midfield. Nuno Gomes, match winner against Spain, is likely to take the striker's role because first-choice Pauleta - who wasn't having the best of tournaments anyway - is suspended.

Substitutes

The experienced Fernando Couto is available to shore up the defence, while Rui Costa and Simao can provide attacking impetus.

Verdict

This match could be a real thriller and midfield is where it will be won and lost. If England can produce the drive, power and verve that shocked Croatia it can put them on the front foot. But with skill in every position, Portugal are capable of a piece of magic at any time.