Beckham sets sights on Portugal
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-06-24 10:16

Captain David Beckham says England are fully fired up for their Euro 2004 quarter-final against hosts Portugal on Thursday.

"We feel we've played some good football, scored some good goals and the support for us has been amazing so far," Beckham told a news conference on Wednesday.

"It's just right that we should be in the quarter-final now. We know we've got a tough match against Portugal but we're well prepared for it ... we'll be ready.

"I'm biased - I think we've got the best team."

England are brimming with confidence after qualifying from Group B with a 3-0 win over Switzerland and a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

Beckham said striker Wayne Rooney, the tournament's leading scorer with four goals, was in no way fazed by his explosive impact.

"Wayne's just taking it as if he's playing in the school yard or Sunday league football," said the skipper.

"Everyone forgets that he's only 18. He plays like a man but he's still a boy."

Rooney holds the key to England's chances as they attempt to make up for their 2002 World Cup quarter-final defeat by Brazil.

"We've learned a lot from our experiences in big competitions in the past, going out at certain stages," Beckham said.

"Losing to Brazil was a disappointment for us all and we've all learned from that. We feel a stronger team and the togetherness has never been better than it is now.

Secret dreams

"We all have our dreams but we'll keep them to ourselves this time," he said. "We can't afford to look beyond this game."

The only black mark against England has been their defending at set pieces. The four goals conceded have come from three free kicks and a penalty.

"We can't afford to concede any more set pieces," Beckham said.

"Hopefully that will be put right against Portugal because they've got players who can put some great set pieces in and we have to be prepared for that."

Beckham, who has a slight ankle injury, was sanguine about his own ratings after relatively low-key displays at Euro 2004.

"I'm happy with my performance but there's always going to be criticism," he said. "I'm a strong enough man to take that."

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