Summary

  • Ronaldo treble - a free-kick opener and two superb finishes late on

  • Rodriguez levels at 1-1 from spot after VAR review gives Swiss penalty

  • Ref had awarded Portugal a penalty following counter-attack before review for Swiss spot-kick

  • England face Netherlands in other semi-final on 6 June

  1. Postpublished at 19:44 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Portugal v Switzerland (19:45 BST)

    The sun has been shining in Porto today but there's a gentle breeze blowing across the pitch as kick-off approaches.

    It's still warm enough to get away with wearing a T-shirt.

    Not many hot beverages being sold in Estadio do Dragao tonight...

  2. Is Felix leaving Benfica?published at 19:44 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Portugal v Switzerland (19:45 BST)

    .Image source, EPA

    Joao Felix, who starts for Portugal, does not turn 20 until November yet he is one of the most sought after players in Europe this summer.

    Manchester City, neighbours United, and Real Madrid are reportedly, external after the Benfica teenager's services.

    Felix only made his senior Benfica debut at the start of the season but has gone on to score 15 goals and register nine assists in the Primeira Liga as his club won the title.

    Read more here about the youngster who has been labelled the most exciting player since Cristiano Ronaldo.

  3. Team newspublished at 19:43 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Portugal v Switzerland (19:45 BST)

    The Portugal manager Fernando Santos has gone strong as he makes four changes to the side that drew with Serbia in their Euro 2020 qualifier in March.

    Danilo is suspended while Joao Cancelo, Dyego Sousa and Rafa Silva all drop to the bench. Nelson Semedo, Ruben Neves and Joao Felix all start. As does Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Portugal XI: Patricio, Semedo, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Neves, Carvalho, B. Fernandes, Silva Felix, Ronaldo

    Subs: Sa, Beto, Cancelo Fonte, Rui Danilo, Moutinho, Pizzi, Guedes, Silva, Jota, Sousa

    Switzerland manager Vladimir Petkovic makes makes three changes to the side that drew 3-3 with Denmark at the end of March. Fabian Schar, Xherdan Shaqiri and Haris Seferovi, who plays for Portuguese club Benfica all start. Nico Elvedi and Albian Ajeti drop to the bench.

    Breel Embolo is injured.

    Switzerland XI: Sommer, Mbabu, Schar, Arkanji, Rodriguez, Freuler, Zakaria, Xhaka, Zuber, Shaqiri, Seferovic

    Subs: Mvogo, Omlin, Moubandje, Lang, Okafor, Steffen, Benito, Al Ajeti, Sow, Drmic, E. Fernandes

  4. Postpublished at 19:42 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    More from Gareth Southgate and Raheem Sterling later.

    We're going to switch our attention to Portugal against Switzerland in Porto where both teams are on the pitch and the national anthems are being played.

  5. 'I want more caps'published at 19:40 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    England forward Raheem Sterling:

    "Growing up and watching a lot of England games, you always had a dream of playing for England, but it's a massive achievement to win my 50th cap and it's something I will cherish for the rest of my life.

    "It's remarkable what we have done but we still have a long way to go and I have to ensure I'm fit and available to keep winning more caps.

    "It was only recently I realised how bad my record was for England. I put a lot of pressure on myself at the World Cup to end that drought and I don't think that was a good thing to do, but I have worked hard with the management to break that duck.

    "The Spain game was a massive turning point for me and a highlight of my England career was to go so far at the World Cup but it was a disappointment getting knocked out."

  6. Postpublished at 19:37 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    More from the England manager Gareth Southgate on the form and fitness of Harry Kane:

    "I don’t think it is for me to comment on club performances on a different game. They are not my team. I saw the game [Champions League final]. We have our own observations on how the game played out and all I will say is that a lot of service going into Harry meant he wasn’t favourite.

    "As a group of players and staff we wanted to congratulate our players but we had to be more sensitive than the Dutch. We are very proud of the boys who have won it."

  7. England fans at trainingpublished at 19:36 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    .Image source, .
  8. 'Everyone is available'published at 19:34 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    More from the England manager Gareth Southgate:

    "It's been a different preparation. But there are always complications. We have shown incredible adaptability as a team over the last two years.

    "I have to assess all the players who were involved in the Champions League final in Madrid. It was a unique game in unique circumstances. The players only arrived on Tuesday and there has been some tactical work going on.

    "They are all available though."

  9. 'Nations League is important'published at 19:32 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Gareth Southgate says the Nations League finals is an important tournament for England.

    "We know that the batting order is World Cup and the European Championships but we now have a new competition which only the best 12 teams in Europe could enter, in our division," he adds.

    "We are through by right and we want to be in the habit of winning things.

    "Last summer, we didn't have a free hit but there was less expectation. We weren't as progressed as a team but we have gained confidence of getting to the World Cup semi-final and we have capable players who are hungry to win things. We always want to be in the latter stages of tournaments."

  10. Postpublished at 19:30 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Southgate will not confirm reports that Raheem Sterling will captain England on his 50th cap.

    "I don't want to discuss the captaincy. Harry Kane is our captain. If Harry doesn't play I have a decision to make."

  11. 'We are in good shape'published at 19:27 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, England manager Gareth Southgate said: "We have had a bit less time to speak to the Champions League finalists but we are in pretty good shape. We need to check on Jordan Henderson tomorrow but they have come through cleanly.

    "I think there are a lot of factors for a game like that because of the pressure surrounding it. The early goal meant Liverpool had something to lose so the psychology of the game was fascinating. The heat was a factor in the way the teams pressed too but I have seen good intensity and we are in good shape."

    On Harry Kane: "He finished the game the other day and he has no issues. I sit with everybody that walks through the door and you are assessing where they are physically and psychologically. The Liverpool players have had one of the biggest nights of their lives, and the parade after, so all of those guys have been through a lot."

    Asked if Raheem Sterling will play: "Yes. He has had a fantastic season and he's in really good form. It's amazing to be at 50 caps at his age, so the mind boggles at how many he may end up with. He looks so comfortable in an England shirt and he is raring to go."

  12. Postpublished at 19:26 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Gareth Southgate and Raheem Sterling are here!

    Southgate starts his news conference by saying how delighted England are to be in Portugal and confirms Sterling will win his 50th cap for his country.

  13. 'We'll learn about this England side'published at 19:21 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Chris Sutton
    Ex-Chelsea striker on BBC Radio 5 live

    The Nations League has absolutely worked and it's important for Gareth Southgate to build on his momentum. They have had a couple of really good results and they are in a really good place.

    I think the Netherlands will be a force in years to come with the young players they have, so we will learn a lot about this England side tomorrow night.

  14. Postpublished at 19:19 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    BBC Radio 5 Live

    Gareth Southgate is speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live right now.

    The England boss says he will check on Jordan Henderson, who captained Liverpool to Champions League glory on Saturday, and that Harry Kane is fit to play.

  15. Thousands heading to Portugalpublished at 19:17 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    So no one is interested in the Nations League finals?

    Think. Again.

    Depending on where you get your news from, there are between 12,000 and 20,000 England fans heading to Portugal for the tournament.

    Impressive numbers.

    .Image source, Rex Features
  16. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:15 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)

    Jonnky K: Difficult to agree with Chris Sutton, but it is better than meaningless friendlies. It could develop into a decent tournament so it is not worth shying from now.

    Gurpal Thandi: I like the Nations league. International football is slowly dying but this tournament is a breath of fresh air.

    RedDevilsUnited: Pointless tournament that literally makes no sense. Are internationals really needed right now considering the Women’s World Cup is around the corner?

  17. Perfect hostspublished at 19:13 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    John Murray
    BBC Radio 5 Live in Portugal

    I experienced Euro 2004 in Portugal which was an extremely friendly tournament to be at. It is quite obvious around Porto - one of the most attractive and picturesque cities that we go to on our European football travels - that they embrace events like this.

    .Image source, Getty Images
  18. Postpublished at 19:10 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    .Image source, .

    This England news conference is coming from the bowels of the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes - venue for tomorrow's game.

    The picture above is the main square in Guimaraes.

    Sticking my neck on the line here but I doubt it'll be this quiet tomorrow.

  19. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 19:07 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    #bbcfootball or text 81111 (UK only)

    Sulaimon Adelekan: I totally agree the Uefa Nations League is better than friendlies, it's a chance to win a trophy and you get to play better teams but a lot to consider with the timing because of the players.

  20. 'Perfect timing'published at 19:05 British Summer Time 5 June 2019

    Matthew Upson
    Former England defender on BBC Radio 5 Live

    This tournament is perfect timing for this England team. It is not the highest valued competition but nevertheless it's an opportunity for Gareth Southgate's squad to go and win something. It is a chance to maintain and build on momentum.

    .Image source, Rex Features