Sven-Goran Eriksson declared that England have the self-belief to be successful at Euro 2004 as they are peaking at the right time.

Eriksson's side come up against hosts Portugal in tonight's quarter-final, with the Swede again pitting his wits against Luiz Felipe Scolari in the last eight of a major tournament.

Two years ago, Scolari's Brazil side prevailed and went on to win the World Cup, but this time, especially with Wayne Rooney in inspirational form, Eriksson believes he can come out victorious.

The conditions are at least in England's favour, while, Rio Ferdinand apart, Eriksson has a first-choice side, with John Terry and David Beckham having proved their fitness after knocks.

But above all, the England coach joined Beckham and Steven Gerrard in revealing the confidence levels now underpinning the squad.

Eriksson declared: ''The belief among the players is very big.

''I hope we are peaking at the right time. If we go on like this, then it's not easy to beat us, so why shouldn't we be one of the favourites?''

Gerrard added: ''It's getting really exciting as we get close to the last eight. We have confidence that we can go all the way in this tournament.

''We're concentrating on this game, but hopefully this will be a springboard to reach the final. We are feeling very confident that this time it could be our year.''

England certainly seem to have progressed since their World Cup quarter-final defeat, when Beckham and Michael Owen were only half-fit, while Gerrard was injured and Rooney was still just 16.

Eriksson may need Beckham and Owen, who have yet to score in this tournament, to produce their best form, rather than relying on the likes of Rooney to star again, if they are to go one step further.

However, the potential route ahead is inviting, especially with Italy and Spain eliminated, even if France could lie ahead in a final rematch. Beckham said: ''In three more games, we could be in the final. Of course, we all have our dreams but we'll keep them to ourselves this time. You can't afford to look beyond this game.

''Losing to Brazil was a disappointment to us all but we feel a stronger team and the togetherness has never been better than it is now. So we're well prepared.''

Preparation could, indeed, prove the key, given that Portugal have had 24 hours extra in which to recover from their victory against Spain last Sunday.

''It's a very short gap between the two games. If it's enough, I will tell you afterwards,'' admitted Eriksson.

''But we have been doing everything that we can - making sure the players are eating and drinking a lot, with a lot of massage, stretching and ice-baths.''

The England squad were also working on defending set-pieces at last night's training session, with all four of the goals conceded so far having come from dead-ball situations.

''The only thing that I hope we do better is defending at set-pieces. Against Croatia, there were two wide free-kicks and two goals against us,'' observed Eriksson.

Penalties were also being practised, just in case the match is not settled in normal time or by a 'silver goal', with one team leading after either period of extra-time.

Eriksson is nevertheless relishing the occasion, with the chance to erase the memories of going out to Brazil relatively tamely, even with an extra man for the final half-hour in Shizuoka.

''I might seem to be calm, but inside I'm still very excited and a little bit nervous,'' revealed the Swede.

''That's part of being a football manager.

"After many years, your body needs a kick of adrenaline.

''It's perfect to be here. I wish there was a tournament like this three or four times a year, or even every two years.

''It's what you live for professionally, what you dream of in the office.

"It smells of football 24 hours a day here and I love it.''