Fowler: England must face the best, even Ronaldo and Portugal

That mindset also applies to evergreen forward Ronaldo, who is still going strong at 41 years of age. The Manchester United and Real Madrid icon has been a thorn in England’s side before - helping to send them packing on penalties from Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.

Could the Three Lions do without a reunion at another major tournament? Fowler said: “Portugal have probably been a nemesis for England, having him in tournaments and various games throughout the years.” He added that whatever happens in the World Cup you have to play the best teams and be competitive.

Comparing it to the FA Cup, he admitted he used to relish drawing the big teams because “you've got to beat them sometime, you've got to play them sometime.” He warned it will be a tough game but said England must back themselves whether the opponent is Portugal, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay or Argentina.

England

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