SVEN-GORAN Eriksson has declared that the rest of Europe SHOULD be worried about England.

The Swede believes his squad's preparations are spot-on ahead of the Euro 2004 finals.

England ensured the perfect send-off in their final warm-up game, hitting six goals past Iceland at the City of Manchester stadium with Wayne Rooney and Darius Vassell both scoring twice.

Eriksson has no major injury worries ahead of next Sunday's group opener against France, with John Terry set to return to full training either tomorrow or Wednesday after a hamstring problem.

David Beckham is, meanwhile, also set to train tomorrow after the squad's arrival in Portugal after having an injection to remove a cyst in his back on Saturday afternoon.

Above all, however, England had shrugged off concerns over their form and fitness, which had lingered from their 1-1 draw against Japan.

When asked whether other countries would now be apprehensive about facing England, Eriksson said: "I think so.

"England is a big football country with a lot of extremely good players. In England, we look at when Italy or France make a big result. It's the same when they look at us.

"If we play good football, then it's not the most important thing whether we play a diamond or 4-4-2. It's about playing well.

"This result was good for the confidence, but we have shown our potential many times in real games.

"We have lost just one competitive game in the past three years."

Eriksson was especially pleased with Rooney's display against Iceland, although he believes he can still improve his match-sharpness ahead of the tournament.

"I hope he will get a bit sharper as I am sure he can do even better than he did against Iceland," he declared.

"The crowd like him though, as he's a character, an extremely good footballer and not a normal talent.

"I am rather confident he will not be nervous. He will not lie in his bed without sleeping on the days before the matches.

"I am absolutely sure about that as he's not that way. He knows what he can do and I don't think he worries about anything."

Eriksson was also impressed with the commanding display of Steven Gerrard in a central midfield role alongside Frank Lampard.

"Steven Gerrard has everything as a footballer. He is good defender, a good tackler and can score goals. He's fast, has good technique, has good passing and good vision," he said.

"It's difficult to compare him and Patrick Vieira. They are different. Vieira stays more, but he's one of the best midfielders in the world, for sure."

As for Paul Scholes, meanwhile, who was moved out to the left flank, the England coach is still not concerned even though his international goal drought was extended to three years as he missed a volley from close-range.

"For me, Paul Scholes is a great player, with quick feet, great technique and he sees things. When he has the ball, things happen," stressed Eriksson.

SEE TODAY'S DAILY ECHO FOR A 24-PAGE EURO 2004 SUPPLEMENT.