By Phil McNulty Our man with England

Owen (left) and Rooney will lead England's attack against France

Jamie Carragher insists England strike duo Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney can turn up the heat on France when the Euro 2004 campaign starts on Sunday.

"France will have to defend as well as us because Michael is a big-time player made for big tournaments," he said.

"And Wayne is as good as anybody his age," added Carragher, who says England will focus on their strengths rather than concentrate on France's threat.

"Hopefully midfield will supply the quality to show what they can do."

Carragher explained: "We have got to be positive. Of course we have got to defend well, but so have they.

"We're feeling good. The squad has been together for a while now. We've got some experienced players and some very good youngsters.

People call me his minder - it's the other way around because he's bigger than me Steven Gerrard

"Everyone knows each other so there will be no problems. We are enjoying it.

"The feeling has got a lot to do with Sven-Goran Eriksson. He has kept continuity in the squad and there are lots of players from the same clubs.

"I really think we can do well if we play to our best."

And Carragher revealed how the players are in touch with how Euro 2004 fever is gripping the country.

He said: "We've got the channels in our rooms and friends and family keep us in touch.

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"I know from when I was young how these things grip the nation, so we know how important this is."

And Carragher's Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard also backed the threat of Rooney.

The Everton teenager has become almost inseparable from Liverpool's captain and Gerrard said: "People call me his minder - it's the other way around.

"He's my minder because he's bigger than me.

"I'm really confident Wayne's going to have a good tournament. I knock around the hotel with him and nobody's looking forward to this more than him."