England lost their opening match of Euro 2004 on Sunday and Zinedine Zidane's two late goals hit Palios as much as any other England fan.

"The preparation has been fantastic so you take some pride from having given the players a platform and then you try to sit back and enjoy the game.

"I think the tactics were right. France didn't get behind us and you've got to say that takes some discipline. We were in control of the match until the last two minutes.

"It was a mad two minutes and I left the stadium feeling like we had been mugged."

One of the most striking things about Sunday's match was the sheer scale of the England support.

"It's fantastic when you get out into the stadium and see two thirds of the stadium decked in red and white it is great to see. You get lifted by it.

"They were fantastic in the way they responded to the disappointment of two goals so late in the game."

Attention now turns towards Thursday's match with Switzerland, and Palios believes England can go on and qualify for the latter stages of the tournament.

"The mood [in the camp] is one of quiet determination and confidence. It is a very professional squad. They are determined to do well."

Here's our exclusive interview with Mark Palios:

15 June 2004
Palios praises determined Lions