Cristiano Ronaldo's absence has scuppered Roy Hodgson's attempt to mirror the Euro 2016 clash with Wales, having organised the friendly against Portugal in a bid to help England prepare for facing another "special individual" in Gareth Bale.
The Three Lions host the Selecao on Thursday in their third and final preparation match before heading to France, having come through hard-fought, if not entirely convincing, 2-1 victories over Turkey and Australia.
Portugal, ranked eighth in the world, will comfortably be the toughest opponent of the build-up period, although the absence of star turn Ronaldo means Fernando Santos' side will lack an edge.
The Real Madrid forward's expected absence is also disappointing news for Hodgson, who saw Thursday's encounter as ideal preparation for attempting to shackle Bale when England meet Wales in Group B on June 16.
"To be honest, one of the things we thought about with Portugal would have been the fact that Ronaldo is a very special player, a very special talent," Hodgson said on the eve of the match.
"Of course he has been an unbelievably influential figure for all the clubs he has played for and Portugal as well, and we were thinking that Gareth Bale is in a somewhat similar position.
"So when we thought Portugal, we were thinking not only about their technical qualities and the fact they are a very good football team, but they also have a special individual.
"I believe now that might not be the case but we're happy with the two opponents we've had so far. They've certainly put us to the test.
"I've been able to use quite a lot of players in those two games and we expect another tough test tomorrow night.
"But if we can get through that test and come away satisfied with what we've done and I can be satisfied with what I've seen, then I'd have to say the three preparation games have served their purpose."
Wayne Rooney will captain a strong-looking England side in the final preparation match before jetting off to France, with Ryan Bertrand the only absentee on Thursday.
The Southampton left-back is expected to recover from a "slight knock" in time for the Group B opener against Russia on June 11, when Hodgson suggests the side may look different to the one that starts against Portugal.
"The first two preparations games were good in that respect," he said. "I don't need to try anything out any more.
"I am not prepared to say that the 11 that starts tomorrow will be the 11 that definitely starts against Russia."
Source: PA
