Gerrard was a goalscorer against Switzerland and capped that with another dynamic performance against Croatia as the Three Lions qualified for the knockout stages of Euro 2004.

What do you make of all the hype over Wayne Rooney?

"There is a slight danger that people can expect too much from Wayne. We should just let him go out thereand keep doing what he is doing. He is loving this stage.

"He was already a really confident individual before this tournament and that confidence has shown in this tournament. The experienced boys are looking after him a lot on the pitch and off it.

"The stage is set for him and I am really happy he is producing the stuff for the country.

"He loves playing football. There is no one looking forward to the game more than Wayne."

Have you spoken to him about speculation in the papers about the future?

"We haven't really spoken about it. We are concentrating on each game, preparing, getting as much rest as we can, because the games are coming thick and fast.

"There is a real belief and togetherness that we can go all the way in this competition.

"As a team, we still have a couple of notches to move up onto. There are individuals that can get better - myself included. I feel as if I am doing OK. But I can still get better.

"It is nice to be in the last eight knowing that the team and individuals can play better. That's only going to help the country."

What do you think of Portugal?

"Portugal are a wonderful attacking team because they have players who can move about, play in different positions which creates problems for teams defensively.

"But in open play, we have been defending really well. We haven't conceded a goal in open play.

"We are really confident that we can defend really well against Portuguese and stop them from scoring. They are a great team with good individuals but we will be prepared."

Is there anything extra you can do to stop them?

"As a team we have to be a little bit more disciplined. We have got to be careful we don't give the ball away in silly areas in their half because Portugal are good on counter-attacks.

"Maybe I will have to be a bit more disciplined than the other night. But against Croatia it suited my game to burst forward because there were gaps in Croatia's midfield.

"If that happens again, I will do it against Portugal. But I will be disciplined."

How have you prepared for the game?

"The day after the Croatia match we had a recovery day, went in the pool, in the gym, and did 20 minutes cycling. We had a lot of time to put our feet up and rest.

"The manager allowed our families to come in which helped. We have been away a long time now so it always helps to get away from the football side and spend some time with the family.

"Portugal have had an extra day to us so I am sure they have a slight advantage. But this game is so big that I don't really think fatigue is going to set in, because the adrenalin will push us right to the end. The team cannot wait for this game."

Now we're in the knockout stages it could all go to penalties. Would you take one?

"I will put my name forward to take a penalty. I am sure we will work on penalties before the game.

"If I am asked to take a penalty, I am confident I will score. I missed the last one. But I scored a couple before that. I am not an out-and-out penalty-taker but if the manager asks me to take one, I will put my name forward."

How do you think you will do in the match?

"It's a big game. And I'd like to think I am a big-game player. I look forward to big games. I can't wait for this game to start.

"It's really important we do start this game right. If we are slow out of the blocks and do go a goal down it could be a lot tougher than against Switzerland and Croatia.

"We have to be prepared for that. The preparations have gone fantastically well. As soon as that whistle goes, we will be ready to start well."

What were you doing when England last played a quarter-final - against Brazil in the World Cup?

"I was at home. I had mixed feelings. I was disappointed to miss the game but really excited when we went a goal up.

"I really thought then that the lads would really go on and win it. I thought if we could overcame Brazil, that would give us the confidence to go on and win it. The game finished really disappointingly.

"I was really gutted at the end of the game. I hope I am not gutted after this game. I watched it at home, on my own. I don't really like watching football with my mates, to be honest. They talk all the time. I like concentrating on the game.

"During that Brazil game, there were all kinds of emotions going through my head. The main problem was just not being there. I was desperate to be there. But it wasn't to be, I had to think about my career long-term rather than be selfish and go for it.

"I feel as if I am benefiting now from making that decision. Luckily enough, I have an opportunity to play in this game against Portugal."