Couto: England will be toughest yet

Portugal defender Fernando Couto believes the Euro 2004 quarter-final with England will be the toughest game yet for the tournament’s hosts.

The Portuguese have had to battle to reach the knockout stages after losing their opening match 2-1 to Greece but eventually made the last eight with a 2-0 victory over Russia and a 1-0 win over neighbours Spain.

However, Couto fears the match with Sven-Goran Eriksson’s team is the hardest test yet.

Couto said: “In my opinion, England are a very, very good team. It’ll be difficult for us because it’s going to be a very demanding game, but we are determined to make the Portuguese people happy.

“The English have played good football and I think this will be the most difficult game we have played yet and we must concentrate to the maximum.”

Couto, 34, is considered unlikely to start the match but believes his team-mates will have their hands full dealing with teenage striker Wayne Rooney.

“He’s a wonderful player and he’s doing very well for someone so young. He is determined and he obviously enjoys scoring goals,” said Couto.