"We played very good football in the first half and controlled everything," he said.

"In the second half they started to create something but we played as we should like to play and if we do this on Thursday [against Portugal] and in the future we should be very happy."

"If we play as we did in the first half it will not be easy to beat us.''

Eriksson also paid tribute to England's hero of Euro 2004 thus far Wayne Rooney.

"What can I say about him that has not already been said? He was absolutely fantastic.

"He scored two goals and both were fantastic. He was always working, always available.

"I was always confident that sooner or later we would score goals tonight.''

Asked about the prospect of Thursday's encounter with Portugal in Lisbon, Sven said:

"Portugal are technically very good, pacy, and they did very well against Spain. We have two days rest and then we are back on course."