Rooney... not the only player in improving team

"We're not going home," the England supporters could not stop singing once they had taken the lead against Croatia on Monday.

They might be after playing Portugal tomorrow because England have not beaten a host nation in a World Cup or European Championship since 1954. But for now the fans are celebrating.

They were not just glorying in their 4-2 victory over Croatia or the emergence of 18-year-old Wayne Rooney as probably the best player in Europe at present.

They were also celebrating an England team who have made a real impact in this tournament by showing mental and physical strength, and not a little skill.

Apart from a crazy three minutes against France, England have looked like a team capable of ending nearly 40 years of under-achievement since winning the World Cup in 1966.

It is probably too early to suggest that England could win this competition but the notion is not without foundation.

England dominated France for long periods, played a tough uncompromising game to see off Switzerland, and on Monday against Croatia England battled back after conceding an early goal and ran out deserved winners.

Rooney's contribution was immense. Apart from two brilliant goals no 18-year-old has a right to score in such exalted company, he surged around midfield, tackled like a man with four legs, passed with precision and showed intelligence beyond his years.

He didn't win the match single-handed, however. As Frank Lampard, who scored England's match-clinching fourth goal, said: "I don't know if we are the best team in Europe but we will be if we win the final.

"What I do know is that today was the best our midfield has played together and hopefully we can do that again."

Three of the midfield were outstanding: Lampard himself, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, whose equaliser after 40 minutes was his first England goal for three years.

But captain David Beckham again failed to have much influence on the match. He did well enough but no longer runs England's game like he did a year or two ago.

Striker Michael Owen, a major force with Beckham in the side during the World Cup two years ago, is also struggling despite an improved performance against Croatia.

While the midfield is gelling, so is the defence although Croatia's height and weight caused problems from set pieces.

Sol Campbell and John Terry have a solid understanding while Ashley Cole and Gary Neville are improving on the flanks as the tournament progresses.

Goalkeeper David James still causes palpitations half the time he comes out for the ball. But the team looks balanced, tough and confident.

England have won only one match against a host nation and that was in the World Cup finals against Switzerland 50 years ago.

Sven-Goran Eriksson would love to beat Portugal, where he has worked as a coach, and take revenge on their coach Luis Felipe Scolari who plotted England's World Cup defeat by Brazil in 2002... it promises to be a fascinating duel.