Boksic visited the Solplay hotel in order to speak to his former manager at Lazio, Sven-Göran Eriksson.

Speaking to TheFA.com, Boksic said: "I am excited because [tonight's] match is a very important match for both sides.

"We know that we have a good opportunity to reach the quarter-finals.

"We know we are playing one of the best teams in the tournament but in football anything is possible.

"We have a chance and we need to be lucky [but] if we play like we did against France, then anything is possible."

Boksic is one of the most famous Croatian players of all time, and was part of the magnificent generation of players that included the likes of Zvonomir Boban, Robert Prosinecki and Davor Suker.

The former Middlesbrough striker was part of the Croatian team that drew 0-0 with England in the first ever meeting between the two sides in April 1996.

Boksic continued: "I think at the moment Wayne Rooney is the biggest threat for England. He is some kind of phenomenon.

"He is so young but is so strong and he will be even better in the future.

"But in Croatia we are watching games all over the world. Wayne Rooney is no surprise to us.

Croatia take on England on Monday evening knowing that only a victory will see them through to their second European Championship quarter-final. For Boksic, though, England have one major advantage.

"I always enjoy when I can meet with Mr Eriksson. We were at Lazio together for three years and we had a good time.

"He is very quiet, very intelligent. A nice man. He is a very good manager - you are lucky to have him."

To watch the full interview with Alen, click on one of the links below.

21 June 2004
Boksic backs Rooney phenomenon

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