Four Manchester United players were in action, as England drew 1-1 with Portugal in an international friendly staged in Faro.

Phillip Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes started the game, but in typical international friendly fashion none of them finished the game, with Sven Goran-Erikkson making nine substitutions during the game, which always takes the competitive nature out of such competitions.

United’s Ronaldo played the entire second-half for the Portuguese, and the youngster caused several problems for the England defence down the right-flank, and certainly looks set to become a regular in the Portugal line-up in future years.

The visitors took the lead to the delight and surprise of the travelling English contingent. After a goalless opening period, Ledley King marked his debut with a goal, bundling home a David Beckham free-kick at the far post.

With twenty minutes to go Portugal restored parity from Pauleta’s stunning free-kick. The strike curled around the wall and found its way into the top corner leaving David James, who put in a disappointing display, helpless.

England held on for a credible draw, but neither side looked to have what it takes to win the upcoming European Championships’. However, this was only a friendly international and with the high number of substitutions made by both camps, it isn’t really possible to judge much from the game.

Full Time – Portugal 1-1 England
Attendance -  27,000

Portugal: Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira (Miguel 46), Rui Jorge, Andrade (Ricardo Carvalho 75), Couto (Beto 83), Costinha (Deco 46), Figo (Boa Morte 66), Petit (Viana 83), Pauleta (Hugo Almeida 78), Rui Costa (Tiago 61), Simao (Ronaldo 46), Nuno Valente (Nuno Valente 46).
Subs Not Used: Quim.

England: James, Phil Neville (Mills 46), Ashley Cole (Bridge 17), King, Southgate, Butt (Carragher 86), Beckham (Jenas 86), Lampard (Joe Cole 46), Scholes (Dyer 46), Owen (Heskey 71), Rooney (Smith 71), Bridge (Hargreaves 86).
Subs Not Used: Robinson, Kirkland.

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