MARIENFELD, Germany, June 28 - Portugal will clamp down on England to avoid giving away free kicks and corners, defender Nuno Valente said on Wednesday.

"It will be a dangerous game," he said of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final in Gelsenkirchen.

"Their strengths are in crossing, free kicks and corners. We have to try to prevent these from happening. We must pay attention to this," he told a news conference.

Portugal are preparing to face an England side who have been criticised for their bland performances, but Valente said that was no reason for Luiz Felipe Scolari's men to relax.

"Their football is not always beautiful but it is effective," he said.

"We will approach this game as we have done all the others... but we will have to be cautious against England because they are a very dangerous team with a lot of experience. We always have to be attentive."

Striker Pauleta said the exit of much-fancied Spain at the hands of France was a timely reminder that even though Portugal may play a more entertaining game, nothing was guaranteed on Saturday.

"Spain are one of the best teams in this World Cup and they were eliminated. But I don't think England are playing badly, that is a big misconception," he said.

"They have won games and they haven't conceded too many goals. I don't believe they are playing badly, the chances are equal," he added.

Pauleta said Scolari's side, who reached the finals of the European Championship two years ago, had improved since then.

"We are practically the same players but with two years more experience," he said "We are stronger in all aspects, but England are stronger too. The game will be equal and decided by small things, hopefully in our favour."