The U-21's went out after losing 3-1 to Portugal tonight.

Portugal were much the better team, although England did fight back to 2-1 after going behind to two early goals in a frantic first half hour. They were under constant pressure during this period with Portugal's clever players dominating in midfield.

Shola Ameobi came on on the half hour for a very poor Jonathon Greening with Alan Smith switching to wide left. Shola did a few good things and eventually laid on a goal for Smith.

In the 2nd half, with Portugal increasingly tending to sit deep behind the ball and hit us on the break, England enjoyed more possession, but our build up was laboured and the passing frequently sub-standard. We had a few half chances, but Portugal hit us one more time on the break and got the 3rd goal which effectively killed the game. England finished looking a very weary and dispirited team, and in truth were 2nd best.

Few England players enhanced their reputations tonight, and the players apparently being touted as potential England WC call-ups, Dunn and Defoe, were poor. The big Fulham CB, Zak Knight, had a terrific game and looks an outstanding prospect, and Alan Smith was at his beligerant best. Shola was his frustrating self - some good control and clever turns, but he seems to lack energy and spark. He lumbers around the field, disappears for minutes on end, and just doesn't seem totally involved in the game.

In the Portugal team were 3 or 4 young players who would be excellent additions to our squad, particularly their 2 creative central midfield players.

-- Anonymous, May 22, 2002