After superb work from Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, the Newcastle forward blasted home from inside the box from a Morgan Gibbs-White cutback.

In the second half, Portugal’s Henrique Araujo hit the crossbar.

Lee Carsley’s team, who has yet to surrender a goal in this tournament, held out and will face Israel on Wednesday.

To win in Kutaisi, they needed to demonstrate defensive tenacity after Portugal put them under pressure for long stretches after the break.

Victory ensured a berth in the competition’s last four for the first time since 2017, and kept alive dreams of capturing a trophy last won in 1984.

England will undoubtedly believe they have a solid chance of reaching the final after defeating Israel 2-0 in the group stage.

Carsley went back to the lineup that started England’s first encounter of the tournament, a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic on June 22.

Curtis Jones shot wide from the edge of the box after Madueke, Gibbs-White, and Anthony Gordon had combined to create the opening in the fourth minute.

Gordon was then played through by Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey’s pass, but Celton Biai saved his first-time attempt from a close angle.

Portugal came near through Wolves striker Pedro Neto when a cross into the area was not completely cleared by James Garner, but his low shot was saved by England goalkeeper James Trafford.

Tiago Dantas appeared to be on his way to scoring just before halftime, but captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis made a crucial block.

Araujo’s header was England’s biggest second-half worry, but despite exerting considerable pressure, Portugal were unable to produce a clear enough opportunity to go through.

‘It wasn’t like we were on battery save mode – Portugal were excellent.’
England’s offensive play has been largely acclaimed after they won all three of their group games to go to the quarter-finals.

However, Portugal were a step up in quality, and Carsley’s side went long stretches without the ball in the second half.

“We have to give Portugal a lot of credit,” added Carsley. “They pressed us really hard, and their positioning was aggressive.”

“We couldn’t keep it under control.” Portugal were great, it wasn’t like we were in battery save mode. It should instill confidence in the players that they may perhaps beat the favorites.”

Ramsey suffered an ankle injury in the second half and was spotted on crutches after the game, making him a doubt for Wednesday’s semi-final.

“We’ll evaluate Jacob tomorrow.” “We’re not going to take any chances,” Carsley stated.

“If there’s a chance of a player getting injections, they won’t do it.” Football is still in its early stages. Jacob is in capable hands. It’s difficult to say. He has severe numbness in his foot and ankle.”