Luis Figo's ego was intact but his body was bruised after Portugal's 3-0 victory over Mark Hughes's muscular Welsh intimidators in Chaves on Friday night.

Portugal's most influential player expects similar punishment against England on June 12. Coach Humberto Coelho had wanted to examine the resolve of his players in just such a collision before the Group A qualifier in Eindhoven.

Barcelona star Figo, who if Spanish scources are to be believed is on his way to Manchester United in a £30million salary and transfer package, admitted: 'It was very hard out there. We had to suffer a great deal for our victory. Wales were extremely aggressive, very physical.

'It could be similar against England, only they will have more quality to go with their aggression.'

Figo, protective of his well-being with the Euro 2000 so close, was forced several times to leap clear of flying tackles. Such methods did not stop him scoring one goal and creating another, but fellow goal-scorer Sa Pinto revealed that Figo was shaken by the treatment.

'When Luis came off he had a few moans about what he'd endured,' he said. 'They were very aggressive, not highly skilled in a technical way, but that's the way the Welsh play.'

Wales are sure England can win in Eindhoven. Striker Iwan Roberts said: 'They don't like players running at them and they don't like a bit of stick either. I'm utterly convinced England will win, they'll have too much power and quality.'

At least Figo now knows what the Premiership entails and his teammate Everton's Abel Xavier, who has advised him to play in England, said: 'If United get Figo they'd be the best in Europe.

'Imagine him on the left and David Beckham on the right, that would be terrifying.'