England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hit back at the critics who have blasted his side's style of play in the opening four games of the World Cup finals.

England have failed to impress in their run to the last eight of the competition despite beating Paraguay, Trinidad & Tobago and Ecuador and drawing with Sweden.

Eriksson is confident will side will improve when they play Portugal in the quarter-finals on Saturday, saying: "I don't remember any team who started the World Cup in a perfect way and went seven games and won it in big style every time. You have to suffer in a tournament like this.

"Look at Argentina. They couldn't resolve the situation in 90 minutes against Mexico.

"We didn't concede any goals in open play. We conceded two really stupid goals from set-pieces, that's all. If we can perform as we know we can I think we have a really, really good chance.

"When we know we can do better and we are already in the quarter-final, I think that is a strength for a team.

"Technically Portugal are very good. They have a lot of players who can beat people, quick players. I suppose they will play 4-3-3. They are one of the teams who can win the World Cup."