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Smith's performance was a bonus for England manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, who did not glean any new information about the squad who never pulled out all the stops.
England, lacking the Manchester United duo of David Beckham and Paul Scholes, used the game as an experimental build up for the 2004 European Championships but the lack of determination proved to be a major failing.
Portugal, who are in the process of rebuilding their team, made very little impact in the early stages but later improved with a brief flurry at the start of the second period when they twice hit the England woodwork.
Luis Figo, recently voted the number one player in the world, did little to justify this rating with a lack-lustre first-half display.
Emile Heskey, who stood out like a giant in the lightweight England attacks, created most of the danger to an indifferent Portugal in the opening half-hour.
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But Bowyer more than made amends in the 39th minute when he figured prominently in England's opening goal.
Michael Owen collected a pass from Heskey and put Bowyer in the clear and his first-time cross was met with a flying header from Smith into the near corner of the net.
With little pressure being exerted by Portugal it was disappointing that England were not more assertive. Portugal made nine changes at the start of the second period and there was an early scare for England when Gomes flashed a header against the post following a right-wing corner.
England's much-changed side did not heed the warning as in the 79th minute a right-wing corner from Viana was glided home by the unmarked midfielder Costinho.
England: James, Mills, Ferdinand, Southgate, Ashley Cole, Bowyer, Gerrard, Butt, Heskey, Smith, Owen. Substitutes: Bridge, Robinson, Woodgate, Dunn, Murphy, Sinclair, Hargreaves, Joe Cole.
Portugal: Baia, Beto, Meira, Couto, Sergio Conceicao, Teixeira, Rui Costa, Jorge, Figo, Pauleta, Sabrosa. Substitutes: Pereira, Ferreira, Valente, Costinha, Vidigal, Silva, Pinto, Capucho, Viana, Nuno Gomes, Boa Morte.