Steve McManaman's fine displays for Real Madrid over the past three months, culminating in his goalscoring appearance in the European Cup final, have won him his England place in Eindhoven tonight.
However, the former Liverpool player looks set to start in England's problem position of left midfield, as Kevin Keegan sticks to the 44-2 formation he has pursued recently. It is not McManaman's favourite role, but with Keegan keen to have McManaman involved it means both parties have compromised.
One good omen for both is that in the 28 internationals McManaman has appeared in, England have lost just one. Not including penalties, of course. That was the Italy game at Wembley in which Matt Le Tissier made his famous bow.
McManaman was a substitute in England's last game, in Malta, in which Nick Barmby was England's only worthwhile player, but the creativity McManaman offers has seen him receive Keegan's vote.
Other than that, Keegan's selection will be of minimal shock value. Paul Ince will partner Paul Scholes in central midfield and Sol Campbell, despite his appalling performance in Malta, partners Tony Adams ahead of Martin Keown. Michael Owen and Alan Shearer are up front.
They will be hoping to test Vitor Baia, Portugal's goalkeeper, who will equal the record number of caps for his country tonight. "I'm not afraid of England," Baia said yesterday.
England are correct to be afraid of Luis Figo, though striker Sa Pinto's chances of playing were rated at only 50-50 last night.
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