Adam Johnson grabbed a second-half equaliser against Portugal to earn the
injury-hit England Under-21s a precious point at Estadio Municipal de Agueda.
Stuart Pearce's youngsters conceded their first goal of Euro 2009 qualifying
when Vieirinha scored an early penalty, and although they could not preserve
their 100% record, a draw puts them on course for the play-offs to reach the
finals in Sweden.
Johnson's goal, his first for the Under-21s, came just after the break and
England looked the more likely to grab the win despite their injury problems.
England knew they would be up against it when Matt Derbyshire picked up a quad
injury during morning training, joining Gabriel Agbonlahor on the sidelines as
the Aston Villa forward failed to recover from a twisted knee.
It meant Theo Walcott was the lone striker and the Arsenal teenager put in a
mature performance, showing strength as well as the touch and pace that had him
considered for the seniors this week.
Steven Taylor recovered from a back injury to lead the side out as skipper,
but Pearce was denied a whole team of players through injuries prior to and
during the international break.
Within three minutes they were behind at a ground that normally hosts
lower-league football.
Portugal's seniors had knocked England out of the last two major tournaments
after shoot-outs, and it was a penalty that gave them the lead.
Craig Gardner brought down Vieirinha as the winger carried the ball into the
penalty area and the Portugal winger confidently took the spot-kick, although
Joe Hart dived the right way.
Pearce's youngsters gradually forced themselves back into contention, with
Walcott proving the danger.
He backheeled in from a Tom Huddlestone free-kick but play had been called
back for a foul on Fulham goalkeeper Ricardo Batista.
Huddlestone's set-pieces were difficult for the Portuguese to defend, with
David Wheater twice heading over from good positions.
Portugal looked technically assured and Inter Milan youngster Pele set their
tempo just ahead of the defence, while Joao Moutinho was their creative force.
They too were not at full strength, although that was because eligible players
like Manuel Fernandes, Nani and Miguel Veloso were with the seniors.
Fabrice Muamba struggled to cope with Moutinho and he was booked for two hacks
at the Sporting Lisbon youngster, while Taylor also received a yellow card
before he was taken off at the interval.
Moutinho should have doubled the lead midway through the first half. Hart made
a mess of a routine clearance in the right channel, Moutinho's finish was on
target but the Manchester City goalkeeper made it back to save just five yards
from his line.
Johnson, the Middlesbrough winger on loan at Watford, sent Walcott through
nine minutes before the break but the finish after racing behind the defence was
saved by Batista.
Huddlestone also flashed a free-kick right across Batista's goal, while Lee
Cattermole felt he was fouled by the goalkeeper outside the area but a goalkick
was given.
Pearce's youngsters were level within four minutes of the restart.
Joe Mattock's throw from the right was allowed to bounce through to Johnson at
the far post and his sweet volley found the far corner.
Now playing with confidence restored, England pressed for a second goal and
Huddlestone went close three times.
His first two efforts were more speculative but his third, a first-time volley
from James Milner's cross, would have finished a delightful move.
Walcott showed shades of Thierry Henry when he darted in from the left flank
and forced a low save from Batista, and he was full of running throughout.
Portugal also threatened in an end-to-end final quarter of the match - Saleiro
headed into the path Moutinho but Michael Mancienne was back to slide clear,
while Targino's scissor kick went just over the bar in the final stages.
At the other end, Milner's cross was inches from Johnson as he sought to add a
second.
