The Everton striker headed in the first goal and is looking to claim the second after his powerful shot smashed into the net off Swiss goalkeeper Joerg Stiel.

Steven Gerrard then added a third, but England manager Sven Goran Eriksson believes Rooney is one of the most talented teenager's he has ever worked with.

"I have coached many great players in the past like Rui Costa, Roberto Baggio and Paulo Sousa. But I would say that Wayne is the best," he said.

"He must be the man of the day, not only in England but in the whole of Europe. He is fantastic and I think he will be even better in the future. If you are 18-years-old you should get even better.

"He shouldn't be ready 100 per cent yet, but he will improve, I am sure about that. And I don't think all this will go to his head because he has his feet very much on the ground.

"He's not making a lot of fuss. He just goes out and does it. I don't think he's worried. It is like he is playing on a school pitch and he is saying give me the ball and I will enjoy myself."

Eriksson is hopeful that UEFA will not rule that Rooney's second effort was actually an own goal by Stiel, but knows the 3-0 win over Switzerland sets his side up perfectly for the crucial clash against Croatia on Monday.

England now need just a draw to qualify for the quarter-finals and the coach is keen for his players to enjoy the experience.

"The tournament is like a big party and you have to enjoy it. That's what it was like at the World Cup," he added.

"I think we played better against France than against Switzerland, especially the first half. On Thursday we didn't start the game very well and we looked nervous, but I can understand that.

"Maybe it is better to play badly and win than to play badly and lose!"

England fans will be boosted by the knowledge that there are no major injury worries ahead of the Croatia game.

John Terry, who missed the France game with a hamstring strain, came through the Switzerland encounter with no ill-effects, while Paul Scholes is also fit despite having being a doubt for Thursday's game.

Owen Hargreaves, who was on the end of two heavy Swiss challenges after coming on as a second-half substitute, is carrying a slight knock but should be in contention for the vital match on Monday that will seal England's fate.

18 June 2004
Sven Press Conference - AUDIO