Speaking to TheFA.com for England TV he also believes that, after a good performance from Michael Owen, the Liverpool man is ready to come good when it matters.

"It was a very good performance from our point of view," says the Swede, "We played well and controlled the game completely, but then they scored the goal.

"We knew they were very strong at set-pieces, against Switzerland they headed the ball on target nearly every time.

"They have tall players, almost like basketball players, and with their good deliveries it's not easy to handle."

A draw would have done for England in their quest for qualification, but Tord says that winning was their only thought. 

"We went out to win the game. We dominated the midfield, winning every second ball. It was our best performance.  Though we played well against France, we dominated this game."

But things didn't start smoothly when the Croatians took an early lead.  However, Tord and the rest of the England dug-out didn't panic.

"I thought there was a lot of time left to recover. It was a shock. We started so well, but we kept on going."

Wayne Rooney hit two more fine goals for the Three Lions while Paul Scholes finally ended his goal-drought, three years after his last for England. Now Tord thinks that it's the turn of Michael Owen who is yet to score at Euro 2004.

"It was nice for Paul, next time well see Michael Owen do it, I'm sure."

He added: "It was Michael's best game too, it's coming for him at the right time."

But even though Rooney took himself to the top of the tournament's scoring charts, Tord says that it was another player who caught his eye.

"Ashley Cole was outstanding," he says 

"Against Mornar, a tough player, he did well and he was the best player for me."

You can watch the full interview with Tord on England TV...

21 June 2004  
Tord's Croatia analysis