English Pay Homage

The English football team (less Campbell and Cole who were in the Champions League Final) started their World Cup preparations with a short trip to Portugal.

The climate may have been much better than England, and the five-star facilities have helped to make everybody feel at ease, but the football is the most important thing! Walcott was seen in training for teh first time by Sven, and the team held a prss conference to let England fans know how it was all going.

Of course the chances of Portugal came up - and many believe that Ronaldo will be key, and that Portugal have a great chance.

"I know well some of their players, like my companions and Cristiano Ronaldo. They have a strong team and it is amongst the favourites, such as Brazil, Argentina, Spain and Holland" said Lampard.

Joe Cole was equally forthcoming with praise: "Yes, I know a lot of the players: (Ricardo) Ricky Carvalho, great centre half, Paulo (Ferreira). He plays behind me when i play on the right for Chelsea and he is a great player. Obviously, (Cristiano) Ronaldo (is a) big danger, Figo."

Its all warming up nicely for the boys from Portugal.