Eindhoven, June 11: England manager Kevin Keegan has talked a good game since taking over from Glenn Hoddle at the start of last year, but against Portugal on Monday he will discover just how good his team is - with or without Alan Shearer.Their form has been fitful under Keegan although there were promising signs against Brazil and Ukraine in their recent warm-up matches at Wembley.They face a Portugal side who England captain Alan Shearer believes are ``as technically gifted as any in the world'' but one lacking a truly dangerous striker.Both teams are keeping their plans closely under wraps, but the match poses an interesting dilemma for the coaches who have both stressed that a draw would not be a bad result.A victory would represent a giant step towards reaching the quarter-finals but a defeat would demand a riskier, more offensive approach in the other two group games while increasing the mental pressure on the players.It is difficult, however, to imagine the attack-minded Keegan fielding a team aimed at containing the Portuguese and hitting them on the counter charge.During his time as coach at Newcastle United, Keegan won plaudits for his `champagne' football and in some matches he would even field four forwards.Newcastle, though, never won a trophy under Keegan and since taking over the National team the former England captain has been far less cavalier in his tactical approach, conscious that a single defeat in international football, unlike in league games, can be disastrous.Both teams have injury worries over key players ahead of the Group A match with England's leading goalscorer Shearer struggling to shake off a knee ligament injury and Portugal midfielder looking doubtful after picking up a thigh strain.Michael Owen, one of the stars of France 98, is certain to start in attack and will be partnered by either Emile Heskey, Robbie Fowler or Kevin Phillips if Shearer is unfit.David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Paul Ince are likely to start in midfield but the biggest selection question is who will join them on the left side.Dennis Wise, Steve McManaman and Nick Barmby, none of them natural left footers, have all been tried.The Neville brothers, Gary and Phil, should start in the full-back slots with veteran defender Tony Adams and Sol Campbell in the centre of defence and David Seaman in goal.Portugal will probably play a 4-2-3-1 system with either Sa Pinto or Nuno Gomes the lone striker ahead of an impressive attacking midfield of Figo, Rui Costa and Joao Pinto.The industrious Paulo Bento is likely to start along side Sousa or Vidigal just behind with a back four of Secretario, Fernando Couto, Jorge Costa and Dimas in front of keeper Vitor Baia.
