Scholes twisted an ankle playing in the heartbreaking 2-1 defeat against France on Sunday and was rated only 50-50 to recover in time for Thursday's big game.

But somehow the Manchester United man has pulled through following some intensive physiotherapy, and played a full part in training in Coimbra today.

"I am almost sure 100 per cent that he will be fit," said a delighted Eriksson.

"He did everything today, even shooting at the end and he seems OK.

"That's very good news because Paul Scholes is always very important for us. He's been criticised sometimes for not scoring goals but he's a true football player and things happen around him.

"He makes the midfield tick and he does everything, little touches, long passes, short passes, switching the play. He's a football player, that's it. And he's a big one for us."

There is no end to the good news for England, because John Terry has also recovered from a hamstring injury and is fighting to regain his place in the team. And Gary Neville has shaken off a knock to declare himself ready to face the Swiss as well.

"It's good to have everybody fit," said Eriksson. "I have already decided who will play against Switzerland and whether we will play the flat four or the diamond formation in midfield. But I won't be saying just yet. It's better that the Switzerland manager thinks about that one for a bit longer!"

No-one in the England camp is under any illusion that the game against Switzerland is make or break when it comes their dream of reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.

But Eriksson is adamant there are no negative vibes around the Three Lions squad and everyone has shrugged off the disappointment of Sunday to focus entirely on the job ahead.

He said: "It's a very important game for us and we have to win, we know that. In these games always you have to attack and be very aggressive. You have to try to win the ball early even if the weather and the heat is a little bit against that.

"We have to defend well, we have to be motivated and as concentrated as we were against France for 93 minutes if we want to beat them.

"It's not going to be easy, we realise that. I have every respect for Switzerland because they are well organised and a good football team. But the players are looking forward to it."

Eriksson was in buoyant mood in his pre-match press conference and reports a steely determination in the camp to bounce back from the France defeat and achieve something special in Portugal.

He said: "I haven't thought about defeat. Thinking about defeat before a game I have never done and I will not start today. Absolutely not. In football everything is possible but I think we will face the game with the same intensity that we did on Sunday.

"I am quite sure that the players are a little bit angry after the France game. They want revenge. They have been wishing that since Monday morning and they have been waiting several days for the chance to get it. So I'm quite sure the players will react very well."

The only problem for England could be the searing heat that has seen temperatures rise to almost 100 degrees in northern Portugal today. And with memories of energy-sapping afternoon games in Japan still fresh in the mind from 2002, England are preparing for a similar experience. 

Sven said: "The heat is a little bit bad for us but also for Switzerland. We're not saying we can't play football because it's warm - it's not an excuse and it wont be a big problem.

"I don't think it's the same as in the World Cup because it is not as humid in Portugal as it is in Japan, it's very different. But I admit it's not like playing in Newcastle or Manchester, that's for sure! But I think we can handle it."

If England can overcome both the heat and Switzerland in Coimbra on Thursday they could still be in a good position to qualify for the last eight of Euro 2004 despite losing their opening game.

And Eriksson has already been keeping a close eye on the teams that could meet the Three Lions later in the tournament - including his native Sweden.

He said: "Who is the best team in the tournament so far? It's very early and I have liked a lot of teams. I thought Germany played very well until the last 15 minutes against Holland - and Sweden did a very good game as well against Bulgaria.

"France played well, of course. And England played very good - even better than France! But that's football sometimes. I think it's too early to say who will win but there's certainly some good teams out there. And of course we are determined to go through."