SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON insisted he is happy with the Wayne Rooney-Michael Owen partnership as England start to prepare for Thursday's Euro 2004 clash with Switzerland after the heartbreak against France.

Rooney turned in a superb performance in England's 2-1 defeat and won the penalty that could have clinched victory when they were leading 1-0 only for Fabien Barthez to save David Beckham's spot-kick.

But Owen was ineffective and looked a shadow of the player who has netted 25 times for his country before he was substituted mid-way through the second half.

He has often produced his best performances alongside a big target man type of player such as Emile Heskey rather than a player like Rooney, who has pace as well as power.

But Eriksson has no thoughts about breaking up the combination, even though Heskey is a contender to play against the Swiss - but in a left-sided midfield role if Paul Scholes does not recover from a twisted ankle.

Eriksson said: "Wayne and Michael play well together. If you think that one striker should be strong and good in the air while the other is quick, then they are not like that.

"Rooney is strong but not tall so if he has to fight with the big centre-backs he will not win much in the air.

"But they have so many other good things going for them. They are doing well and I am sure that Michael is happy with Wayne."

Eriksson admitted concerns that Rooney might be losing his cool and in danger of being sent off had been one consideration when substituting him with just under 20 minutes remaining on Sunday.

The Everton starlet had been involved in a couple of spats with midfielder Claude Makelele shortly before he was brought off.

Eriksson conceded: "We talked about it on the bench and when you are tired it is easier to lose your patience.

"But Wayne did very well. I am a little surprised because when we met up three weeks ago he didn't look that sharp. On Sunday he was absolutely fantastic."

Scholes was not expected to train today and faces a battle to recover in time for a match England must win in Coimbra.

Nicky Butt is another midfield doubt. He suffered a knee injury in training yesterday afternoon and is awaiting the results of a hospital scan.

One player poised to return against the Swiss is central defender John Terry who has recovered from the hamstring injury suffered a fortnight ago against Japan in Manchester. He is almost certain to replace Ledley King, even though the Tottenham defender did not let himself down against France.