England v Portugal
Saturday 01 July 2006
World Cup, Quarter-Final
Veltins-Arena, Gelsenkirchen
4pm kick off (London Time)

27 June 2006
VIDEO: Owen Hargreaves press conference
Owen Hargreaves has praised the adaptability of the England squad and says he doesn't mind where he plays.
Owen Hargreaves says bitter memories of a penalty shoot-out defeat against Portugal in Euro 2004 will bolster England's determination to beat their rivals two years on.

The Three Lions were left with a feeling of injustice as they went out at the quarter-final stage in Euro 2004 despite a stirring performance in Lisbon.

But as the teams prepare to do battle again, this time in a World Cup quarter-final, Hargreaves believes England are well prepared.

He said: "In football there is such a fine line between winning and losing. Even when you look at that game in Euro 2004 there were so many highs and lows and obviously with penalties it can go either way.

"That time it didn't swing our way and we're looking to put things right.

"This is a different tournament, two years on. But all the preparation is getting us to here.

"We've had to put in a lot of hard work to get us into this position. It's not just about unfinished business. It's about moving through to the next round."

It must have been a terrible scene in the England dressing room in Lisbon two years ago, and Hargreaves winces at the memory when asked about it.

He said: "It's difficult when you prepare for a big tournament, put in all that effort and time in qualifying and then the game is suddenly decided like that. And you realise you're going home the next day.

"It was so disappointing and it's very hard to describe how it is. It is very difficult.

"Football can be very harsh at times. We could very easily have gone on to the semi-final that time but we didn't.

"But when you've been in those situations, realise that it's that close and such a fine line, you realise that it comes down to the tiny little details.

"You have to decide them for yourself to move on. That’s what we want to do this time.

"We’re very positive. I think if you spent too much time looking back and reflecting on those moments where you were so close it would be very difficult to move on."

Hargreaves is adamant that England have moved on since then - and in fact have improved enough to believe they should beat Portugal this time.

He said: "We have a very talented group of individuals and one of the most successful managers in football. I think we have all positives going into the game. We’re determined to win this time."

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