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England national football team
International Friendlies
Jun 2, 2016 at 7.45pm UK
 
Portugal national football team

1-0

Smalling (86')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Roy Hodgson "pleased" with England display against Portugal

England manager Roy Hodgson insists that he is satisfied with his side's performance during their narrow 1-0 victory over 10-man Portugal at Wembley.

England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted that he is satisfied with his side's performance during their 1-0 victory over Portugal this evening.

The Three Lions had a numerical advantage for the majority of the match following Bruno Alves's first-half red card, but struggled to break down their 10-man opponents at Wembley.

Chris Smalling eventually found the breakthrough with just four minutes remaining, though, and despite a largely unconvincing display, Hodgson believes that there is plenty to be pleased about.

"It is often a struggle when you play against 10 men. We would have preferred a 11 vs. 11 game, to flow more in attack and in defence. We were on the ball and trying to find the way through a packed and well organised Portugal defence. I am pleased we kept our composure and patience, pleased with the clean sheet," he told BBC Sport.

"The longer the game wore on, we looked more dangerous, looked as if we could score the goal. The result came from a long period of sustained pressure. I don't intend to come on radio to tell you what I think of what worked and what didn't. The players worked hard to keep their shape and build attacks.

"It is our third win and one against a Portugal team ranked higher than us in the FIFA rankings, so no reason to be dissatisfied. Have I decided my best 11? That is difficult and will depend on the night. I am happy I have got 16, 17 good players and happy with the options available to us."

England get their Euro 2016 campaign underway against Russia on June 11.

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