YORK went loony for Rooney last night, as England's wonder boy led Sven's men to the quarter finals of Euro 2004.

Ecstatic - and relieved - fans partied late into the night following the action-packed 4-2 win over Croatia, which secured a quarter-final showdown with tournament hosts Portugal on Thursday.

Supporters once again packed out the city's pubs for the crucial match and, with an early Croatian goal, it seemed like that all too familiar feeling of disappointment would be accompanying them home after closing time.

But they need not have feared, as two tremendous goals, by Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, near the end of the first half had the crowds roaring and jumping with delight.

There were a few moments of panic in the second half as the nightmare of the French defeat loomed large in the hearts and minds, but mostly everyone just sat back to enjoy a glorious sporting display.

At the Rose & Crown pub in Lawrence Street, York, every available inch of space was filled with singing and smiling football followers, who began turning up early in droves to grab a good vantage point for the big screen.

Louise Robson said she and her friends were lucky to grab the last table, when they arrived an hour before kick off.

"I think we're going to stay and celebrate until Thursday," she said.

Builder Matt Mars, who started his match build-up at 3pm, said: "We will win the tournament now. Rooney is a god."

He, along with pals Alan Carr and Craig Harrob, said they would stick around and enjoy a few more beers to celebrate.

"But I do have to be in work at 7am," he added.

Danny Gluw, a drug treatment manager, said: "I'm delighted, but I've got to work on Thursday night."

His friend, Kev Brooks, was convinced the win was not down to Rooney and Co's prowess on the pitch, but his own red, white and blue Subbuteo top.

"This is a lucky top. It's towelling," he said. "I feel like Jim's fixed it for me today."

There was a low-key police presence in the city centre following the victory, with only a few officers patrolling in bright yellow jackets and a van in Parliament Street. Sergeant Jeremy Wilkinson said it was no busier for officers than on a normal Monday night.

He said: "The large crowds have been generally good natured. The fact that England won makes all the difference."

Sgt Wilkinson said they had struggled to cope following last Sunday's France match, but hoped that there would be no problems on Thursday, win or lose.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, June 22, 2004