Trevor: Sven's like Sir Alf

England captain David Beckham has revealed that the relationship between the players and Eriksson remains strong and all parties involved in the recent spat would benefit if this whole episode was consigned to history.

The new selection guidelines are basically commonsense, but the most important thing of all is that Eriksson and his players now move forward and focus on the challenge facing them here in June.

'Maybe it wasn't like this 20 or 30 years ago but I think it's important that today's players have their say,' said the Swedish coach. 'Then we can have no problems as we get ready for the tournament.'

Tonight's friendly is more about examining possibilities than bedding down a team for the Championship. The absence of defenders like Gary Neville, Sol Campbell, John Terry, Jonathan Woodgate - not to mention the suspended Ferdinand - and midfield powerhouse Steve Gerrard means that Eriksson is short of half of his likely starting line-up in June.

His hopes of establishing a new centre back alliance, essential if Ferdinand's appeal fails, will have to be delayed until next month's visit to Sweden. Tonight's partnership, Gareth Southgate and Ledley King, will not be Eriksson's first choice for the opening game against France in June but the game may present one of them with the chance to stake a claim for a place in the squad.

Portugal, defeated just twice in 15 games since their 1-1 draw at Villa Park 18 months ago, have some of Europe's most exciting attacking players - like Beckham's Real Madrid team mate Luis Figo, AC Milan's Rui Costa and Manchester United's Christiano Ronaldo.

Figo, who will win his 100th cap if he plays, enjoys Beckham-like status in Portugal. As Thierry Henry has said: 'I'd pay to watch Real Madrid - not for Beckham but to watch Figo.'

England's twin attacking terriers are likely to be Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney - a goal apiece when they last played together against Liechtenstein - but, whatever the starting line up Eriksson will make wholesale changes at half time.

He and Portugal manager Phil Scolari, the man who outwitted him as Brazil beat England 2-1 in the World Cup, have agreed on 11 substitutions each. Although changes on this scale ruin the game as a spectacle, many international coaches like Eriksson argue that 45 minutes in a friendly spares players already struggling to cope with demanding club schedules.

FIFA meet next week to debate Sepp Blatter's proposal to introduce a five substitute limit for friendly matches. 'That would be a bad thing,' insisted Eriksson. 'Most coaches will be against such an idea.'