ENGLAND schoolboys under 18s football team captain Craig Heenighan from Widnes reflects on England's penalty heartache at yet another major finals.

AS the World Cup reaches its final stages we are left to ponder another extremely disappointing competition for England, crashing out to Portugal in controversial style.

They began the game at Premiership pace and Portugal looked there for the taking.

Wayne Rooney had a half chance after just five minutes, latching on to a loose ball but his goal-bound shot was blocked.

Portugal looked dangerous on the counter-attack through Cristiano Ronaldo on the left wing, but all central traffic through Maniche and Figo were thwarted by the tireless Owen Hargreaves.

As the half progressed England began giving up possession far too easily, especially through Frank Lampard who capped off a dreadful tournament, but sporadic Portuguese attacks came to nothing.

Early in the second half David Beckham picked up an Achilles injury, finally forcing Eriksson to replace his uninspiring leader with Aaron Lennon.

There were few clear-cut chances to enjoy but the game sparked into life after Rooney accidentally stood on Ricardo Carvalho, who made the most of the incident.

Ronaldo needlessly got involved, provoking a push from his Manchester United teammate and the referee duly sent him off.

England's chances of winning without going to penalties seemed lost but Lennon had a great chance late in normal time after latching on to Portugal keeper Ricardo's parry only to scuff his shot and allow an easy save.

Portugal got the ball in the net through substitute Helder Postiga but was thankfully disallowed for offside.

Extra time came and went with very few chances and the game looked destined ominously for penalties.

Misses from Lampard, Gerrard and Carragher presented Portugal with a glorious opportunity to reach the semis and through a weird twist of fate it was Ronaldo who slotted home to leave England and their fans totally numb.

Overall, England didn't perform as a team, even with Rooney, and despite the number of big names on paper we were simply not good enough to go any further.