AN estimated TV audience of 30 million last night watched teenage hero Wayne Rooney seal England's place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2004.

The 18-year-old striker sent the nation wild with delight with two stunning goals against Croatia.

His sensational performance followed another two-goal triumph in the previous game against Switzerland.

England now face the host nation, Portugal, in the last eight on Thursday.

A draw was all that England required to make the next round - and it looked in doubt when Croatia took a shock lead with only five minutes gone.

Rooney helped England back into the game by setting up Paul Scholes for the equaliser.

He then went on to put England ahead with a stunning shot on the stroke of half time.

Another piece of Rooney magic extended England's lead after the break.

Although Croatia pulled one back, Frank Lampard sealed a 4-2 victory.

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In Albufeira, on the Algarve, there was a party atmosphere on the now notorious Strip. The mood was in complete contrast to nights last week when there were violent clashes between England hooligans and Portuguese riot police.

The La Bamba bar, where trouble flared last week, was closed.

Outside in the street around 150 fans, many draped in flags, chanted: "Walking in a Rooney wonderland".

Police kept a low profile as fans kicked a football in the air.

After the game, Rooney, now the tournament's top scorer with four goals so far, paid tribute to a team effort. "I just go out there and play my normal game," he said.

"The team has done very well today. I'm lucky enough I got two goals."

About 40,000 supporters from the UK were thought to have crammed into the Estadio da Luz to watch Rooney and the rest of the team win in thrilling style.

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said Rooney's performance was "absolutely fantastic".

"Two goals again today - and fantastic goals, both of them."

Asked if England could go on to win the tournament, he said: "If we play as we did first half today, then I think it is not easy to beat us."