Valente inspired by the Class of 2000

“It was a great win for Portguese football,” he told reporters on Tuesday. “I felt very proud to be Portuguese. It was a strong group who honoured their country by beating England. “England are very strong and have players who make adifference like (Wayne) Rooney.. but we have a good team and a good defence and haven’t conceeded a goal in our last two games.

“I think it will be a very interesting battle.

“The important thing is to play our game, not look at the individual talents in the England team.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Premier League club Manchester United, was also confident.

“We are not afraid of any team,” he said. “I have never seen a Portuguese team afraid to play France, England or Spain.” The 19-year-old also dismissed the idea that he could be provoked by the English media.

“I will let it pass me by,” he said. “I will try to do my job, I don’t care about this. I know I had a good season, maybe the English will try and put some pressure on me but I don’t worry about these things.

Ronaldo refused to single out Rooney, who is one year his junior and has scored four goals in the last two games, for special praise.

“The whole team is good. England is not just Rooney. (David) Beckham is a wonderful player and we mustn’t forget Michael Owen,” he said.

Ronaldo said Portugal would have to show the same fighting spirit they displayed against Spain on Sunday.

(Reuters)