Chris Smalling headed England's winner from substitute Raheem Sterling's cross with four minutes left as manager Roy Hodgson's side struggled to break down Portugal, who had Bruno Alves sent off for a wild, high challenge on Harry Kane in the 35th minute.

Only Kyle Walker distinguished himself although Sterling provided a lively cameo off the bench.

The main positive for Hodgson was that there were no fresh injury concerns as he now turns his attention to the Euro 2016 opener against Russia in Marseille on 11 June.

England's flawed system

England's team sheet looked packed with positive attacking intent - but once they lined up the system looked ill-suited to the team Hodgson had selected.

The biggest victim was Tottenham's Dele Alli, who looked so outstanding playing in an advanced central role in the 3-2 win against Germany in March, but was out of sorts and shunted to the margins by England's formation.

Alli was restricted to the left to allow Wayne Rooney to play through the middle, while Jamie Vardy and Kane, with 49 Premier League goals between them this season, barely got within sight of each other all night.

Vardy and Kane were seemingly handed the responsibility of providing width but instead they were stretched so far apart as to be rendered completely ineffective.

The pair have all the makings of a potent partnership but not when they are virtual strangers. It is something Hodgson must work on before England face Russia.

Can Rooney cut it as an England midfielder?

Rooney was as industrious as ever but the muddled manner in which this formation performed will again raise questions about his role in England's team.

Rooney, 30, brings much to the side but is he really a better bet in the number 10 role than Alli?

That is currently debatable, which leaves him fighting for his place as a striker, although once again the way England set up appeared to confuse the players as much as inspire them.

The Manchester United and England captain can still win games but will Hodgson be brave enough to leave him out when the situation demands it?

Sterling's confidence boost

Sterling had a difficult first season at Manchester City after his £49m summer move from Liverpool - but there are one or two signs his confidence may be returning.

He was lively in the win against Australia and set up Rooney's second goal, and here he delivered a perfect cross for Smalling to head England's late decider.

If Sterling's confidence-rebuilding process can continue over the next few weeks, then England could find a potent weapon restored at Euro 2016.

(BBC)