Sousa out of England clash

Sousa ruled out of Portuguese opener

Paulo Sousa will miss Portugal's opening Euro 2000 game against England.

The Parma midfielder had returned to training but he has been struggling all week with a right knee injury.

Coach Humberto Coelho was naturally concerned and said: "Paulo Sousa is out of the question, Sa Pinto is recuperating. The others are fine."

The Portuguese medical staff continue to worry about Sa Pinto and problems with his right knee.

Paulo Sousa is out of the question

Humberto Coelho

The team doctor Joao Paulo Almeida had confirmed last week the Real Sociedad star Sa Pinto had undergone a scan in hospital on the twisted knee and would need further checks.

Sporting Lisbon's Angolan-born midfielder Jose Vidigal had also been an injury concern but he is now fit and available for selection.