Move over Owen

England's chances of success at Euro 2004 look to be resting squarely on the teenage shoulders of Wayne Rooney. While his much-vaunted strike partner Michael Owen produced another worryingly toothless performance on Thursday, Rooney wrote himself into the history books with two goals that put England's campaign firmly back on course.

The 18-year-old's double strike, which made him the youngest scorer at a European Championship, were just what England needed after their agonising 2-1 defeat by France.

Battling with the psychological damage of conceding two injury-time goals to the holders and facing the prospect of a humiliating exit if they lost, England were not in good shape at Coimbra.

David Beckham again did plenty of running without imposing himself on the game while the other midfielders misplaced passes and the defenders conceded a string of early free-kicks and corners.

The biggest concern, though, was Owen, the former European Footballer of the Year who continued the anonymous form he showed against France. His only significant contribution to the England cause in nearly three hours of football has been to provide the chip for Rooney to head the first goal against the Swiss.

Fortunately for coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, England now have another national saviour on hand in the unlikely shape of a stocky Liverpudlian teenager.

Just as Owen sprung to international prominence with a wonder goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup, also as an 18-year-old, Rooney has made a name for himself on the big stage.

Rooney signalled his arrival with a powerful performance against France, tormenting the champions' defence with his determined running and winning a penalty which Beckham failed to convert.

Switzerland cracked under the pressure of the Everton forward and Croatia are also likely to face a frontal assault on Monday.

Eriksson will be looking for a more composed performance against the Croatians but would gladly settle for a scrappy win.

With Jacques Santini's men top of the group on four points, followed by England (three), Croatia (two) and Switzerland (one), there is little room for error.

But Rooney is not the only source of optimism for Eriksson. Sol Campbell was again outstanding in central defence, while midfielders Steven Gerrard, who scored the third goal against the Swiss, and Frank Lampard have been full of energy and strong running.

A quarter-final place beckons for Eriksson's side, particularly if Rooney maintains his standards and Owen even comes close to returning to his.