STeven Gerrard has warned of the dangers of putting too much pressure on Wayne Rooney as England's new sensation looks to dump host nation Portugal out of Euro 2004.

Gerrard is aware of the growing expectation level on the shoulders of 18-year-old Rooney, who is the tournament's leading marksman with four goals from three group matches.

'Roonmania' is sweeping England, while coach Sven-Goran Eriksson drew comparisons with Brazil legend Pele after the Everton striker's two-goal performance against Croatia on Monday.

Gerrard himself had said after the 4-2 success that Rooney could go on to become "the best player in the world".

But the Liverpool midfielder believes Rooney should just be allowed to go out and play his normal game against the Portuguese without having to carry the weight of the nation on his young shoulders.

Gerrard said: "I think there is a slight danger that people can be expecting too much from Wayne Rooney.

"He is being compared with Pele by some people and I really think that is putting a bit of pressure on him.

"People should not get carried away too much and compare him to different players who have been world class.

"They should just relax a bit and help him more, rather than add pressure to him.

"I think we just let him go out there and keep doing what he is doing. He is loving this stage.

"It is important we don't get carried away with him, give him a chance to develop and I'm sure he is going to be a world-class player.

"He was a really confident individual before this tournament and I think his confidence has shone in his performances.

"The experienced boys are looking after him a lot on the pitch and a lot off the pitch and the stage is set for him.

"I'm really happy that he is producing the goods for the country."

Eriksson yesterday realised the impact of his comments regarding Rooney and Pele following the teenager's match-winning performance against Croatia.

The England coach was insisting that he simply had responded honestly to the question whether any teenager had made such an impact in a tournament since Pele at the 1958 World Cup.

Gerrard claimed Rooney had so far not been affected by the mass attention surrounding him - everyone has come under the spotlight from his bingo-playing grandmother to the Everton scout who discovered him.

Gerrard continued: "Wayne has been the same around the hotel as he was before the tournament. He basically just can't wait for each game to come.

"He loves playing football and there is no-one looking forward to Thursday night more than Wayne Rooney."

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho would welcome Gerrard ''with open arms'' if the Liverpool midfielder became available.

The Londoners have been linked with a British transfer record-breaking move for the England star, and the Portuguese is a big fan of Gerrard and Rooney.

''The only thing I can say is if he comes I will welcome him with open arms,'' said Mourinho.