Team England came through a roller-coaster Group B decider against Croatia last night to safely book their place in the Euro 2004 quarter-finals. In a nail-biting encounter, England’s clinical finishing eventually saw off the determined Croats 4-2. England certainly did not have everything their own way though and found themselves trailing to a shock Kovac goal after just 5 minutes.

For long periods of the first half England dominated possession but failed to create any clear-cut openings. Despite needing only a point to qualify, the Croats' resilience in defence was already looking ominous for England’s chances of progressing. Just before half-time, England finally made the breakthough, Paul Scholes breaking a long international goal drought to head the equaliser. Even better was to follow. With Collina about to whistle for the break, Rooney picked up possession outside the area and rifled home a right-foot drive. England were ecstatic, Croatia despondent.

The second-half followed a similar pattern with England having most of the play but Croatia hanging gamely on. England’s star of the tournament Wayne Rooney looked to have made the game safe with a nerveless breakaway goal but Croatia set English nerves jangling again with another set piece goal to make the score 3-2. Frank Lampard finally snuffed out the Croatian challenge with a fine individual goal on 79 minutes and this time there was to be no comeback.

England return to the Estadio da Luz on Thursday to meet the hosts Portugal in the first of the quarter final matches and the stage is set for another classic. - 22 June