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

Sven-Goran Eriksson is hoping to repay the amazing support England fans have given their side both at home and abroad by steering the Three Lions into the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Eriksson has been overwhelmed by the fantastic encouragement his side have been given in Germany and knows the hysteria has been even greater back in England.

More than 200,000 fans have made their way to Germany and generated one of the best atmospheres in the competition.

But the Three Lions are also spurred on by 30 million supporters back in England who will tune into today’s quarter-final tie against Portugal praying for another victory - and Eriksson is hoping to give them a celebration to remember.

He said: "It is fantastic that so many people are getting behind us back in England. In one way I wish I was back there with them and enjoying the atmosphere.

"But at the same time I want to be on the bench and experience the atmosphere inside the ground knowing that 30 million people will be watching on television back in England.

"It’s positive because we have the best fans, as we have for the last five and a half years.

"The only time it wasn’t like that was when we played Turkey away and they weren’t allowed in. I want to say thank you to the fans because they are a big force for us.

"It will be very positive if we can reach the semi-final. Expectations are enormous, and that’s good, I like it very much. I hope I can make them very happy."

Eriksson has no doubts that he has got his strongest ever squad playing in a major tournament and says the players will have no fear when they come up against Portugal.

The England coach says his team will be fully prepared and know they can beat any team in the competition.

Eriksson added: "I’ve planned to face what I think is their best 11. We’re going to attack and defend well, and I think the system we’re using is the best we can use at the moment with the players we have available.

"I am expecting a very tight game, so finding space will be the key to attack. Portugal v England will always be tight, not 5-0.

"We have a better team than the one we had in 2004. We are getting the results and we know we can do better. I think the best will come out against Portugal. I absolutely trust the players.

"This team is the best one I ever had. The confidence is better because they have been winning at club level and many of them internationally which helps on occasions like this.

"They have more experience, are the right age and are extremely confident. They know they can beat any other team."

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