COACH Sven-Goran Eriksson has backed Paul Scholes to be his midfield diamond when England face Switzerland in Coimbra this evening.

Eriksson looks set to revert to a diamond formation as England aim to bounce back from Saturday's painful defeat at the hands of France and keep their Euro 2004 dream alive.

And with Scholes set to take up an attacking role behind Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney at the Estadio Cicade de Coimbra, Eriksson believes the midfielder is irreplaceable.

"It is impossible to find someone like him, at his age, with the same characteristics and qualities," said Eriksson.

Scholes has recovered from an ankle injury he suffered against France and came through a full training session on Wednesday.

And while the Manchester United star has not scored in an England shirt since 2001, Eriksson believes Scholes remains an important part of his plans.

"He has been criticised sometimes for not scoring goals for a long time for us but he's a big football player and he makes the whole midfield with his long and short passes.

"He has always been important for us."

Chelsea defender John Terry will return to the line-up this evening after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Despite Ledley King's impressive display against France, Terry is expected to partner Arsenal defender Sol Campbell in the heart of the England defence.

"I have trained for the last two or three days and am fit and raring to go now. I'm just hoping to play a part in the game," said Terry.

"It's my first experience of tournament football so I'm just looking forward to it.

"To pick up a little injury before probably my biggest game ever was very frustrating and disappointing, but the lads did very well.

"I couldn't see any way France were going to break the back line and score - Ledley and Sol were magnificent."