YORK City boss Chris Brass believes home advantage could count against Portugal in tonight's mouth-watering quarter-final clash with England.

Brass will be among the sell-out crowd this evening at the Estadio Da Luz and thinks the hosts could feel the weight of the nation's expectancy come 7.45pm.

The Minstermen manager has watched every England match during his holiday in Portugal and also believes Sven-Goran Eriksson's men have the ability to be crowned European champions.

Brass said: "I am glad the match will be at the Estadio Da Luz again and, although we won't have the most fans this time because every previous game has been like a home fixture, I'm sure it will still be 50-50 as there's so many English people out here.

"That means home advantage will go out of the window and there's the added pressure of being hosts, which is similar to the situation they found themselves in before the opening match, which they lost 2-1 to Greece. That will probably make them a bit more nervous than the English lads.

"The Portuguese are really looking forward to the game and win, lose or draw I'm sure the atmosphere will be great."

Brass has seen no evidence of any crowd trouble during England's group games and does not expect any disturbances in Lisbon tonight.

He said: "There seems to be more column inches back home devoted to trouble but I've not seen an ounce at the games. It's been a carnival atmosphere.

"I have supported Portugal with the locals in nearby bars and that's the way it should be. There is no animosity from the Portuguese towards the English.

"They have wished us well for every match and even organised a coach to the Croatia game for us. In a way it's a shame we have to meet now instead of in the final."

Brass also believes that the winners of tomorrow's last-eight clash could go on to the tournament's July 4 climax with either Sweden or Holland awaiting in the semi-finals.

He said: "We have got better and better as have Portugal after getting off to a slow start and sometimes that's the course potential winners go down. They played quite well against Spain but England have played better.

"We haven't seen many wasted passes in the tournament and it could be a case of who retains possession best. England have kept the ball so well in all areas and, against Switzerland, there was about 20 passes before one of the goals."

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been the darling of the home crowds during Portugal's Group A campaign but Brass believes Premiership familiarity will help England counter the fleet-footed Red Devil's threat.

City's player-boss said: "I was surprised when Ronaldo did not start the first two games. Every time he gets the ball he looks like he can do something but if he plays on the right I know that Ashley Cole has done well against him on a number of occasions.

"As was the case with Robert Pires, he will be coming up against a player he is familiar with, which is better than going into the unknown. There will be key battles all over the pitch.

"Deco's coming on well and there's reports he's going to Chelsea so he could come up against Frank Lampard in midfield."

Updated: 10:34 Thursday, June 24, 2004