Rooney justifies selection

Fresh chapter continues with second win for Capello's men

By James Dall   Last updated: 8th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Darren Bent Switzerland England European Championship Qualifier

Bent: First England goal

Adam Johnson Switzerland England European Championship Qualifier

Johnson: Two goals in as many games

Theo Walcott Injury Switzerland England European Championship Qualifier PA

Walcott: Went to hospital for X-ray on injured ankle

Wayne Rooney Goal Switzerland v England

Rooney: Opened scoring after 10 minutes
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England maintained their 100 per cent start to Euro 2012 qualifying as goals from Wayne Rooney, Adam Johnson and Darren Bent defeated Switzerland 3-1 at a sodden St Jakob Park.

Rooney, playing despite allegations about his private life, got England up and running after 10 minutes before substitute Adam Johnson, on for the stretchered-off Theo Walcott, doubled the advantage.

Ottmar Hitzfeld's Switzerland, who had Stephan Lichtsteiner sent off in the second half, did pull a goal back through Xherdan Shaqiri, but England wrapped up the win as Bent made it a deserved Group G result that followed their 4-0 scalp of Bulgaria.

Capello sprung a surprise with his team selection after opting for Joleon Lescott alongside Phil Jagielka in the absence of Michael Dawson with a knee injury. Gary Cahill, who replaced Dawson at Wembley, was expected to be called upon once more, but Capello gave Lescott the nod.

Of course, Rooney's performance was to be under even more scrutiny than usual following the weekend newspaper reports. And the Manchester United responded in perfect fashion when he opened the scoring on 10 minutes, slotting Glen Johnson's low cross past goalkeeper Diego Benaglio from close range.

There was, however, a sour note in the build-up to the goal as Theo Walcott sustained an injury which saw him stretchered off and replaced by Adam Johnson. Then, in the space of three minutes, Jermain Defoe twice threatened, with the latter of his chances flashing over the crossbar.

Slick

Defoe continued to look very bright indeed, and, as England dominated possession whilst demonstrating slick passing on a greasy surface, Defoe so nearly got on the end of an Ashley Cole delivery before James Milner's cross whipped beyond the lurking Tottenham poacher.

After news filtered through that Walcott was on his way to hospital for an X-ray on his injured ankle, the Swiss, very disappointing for the majority of the first half, built up some, if not a great deal, of pressure, with David Degen swiping a shot wide following a free-kick.

Defoe continued to be sharp in his movement, alas he failed to ensure England went into the half-time interval with a two-goal lead. The striker was denied by a reaction stop from Benaglio while he could not quite get on the end of a dinked Rooney cross.

The Swiss aimed to alter the pattern of the game by bringing on Shaqiri for Xavier Margairaz. But England began the second period with the same eager tempo, and Adam Johnson threatened to double the advantage on 47 minutes when firing a volley off target after being fed by Rooney.

In the 59th minute it was Glen Johnson's turn to test Benaglio, the full-back's shot zipping off the surface and drawing a decent save. Then, Milner received a booking that ensures he will miss England's next game against Montenegro through suspension, having been booked versus Bulgaria.

Hart shaky

England goalkeeper Joe Hart then endured a shaky spell. First, the Manchester City player spilled a high ball, before letting slip a cross from the right channel. Hart's uncertainty was followed by Switzerland's best chance as Alexander Frei's fizzed ball across the six-yard box caused panic.

However, just when Switzerland were enjoying their best spell, they were reduced to 10 men. Referee Nicola Rizzoli branded a second yellow card to Lichtsteiner, who was penalised for a rash sliding challenge on Milner.

A quite bizarre passage of play took place in the build up to England's second goal. Defoe sustained an injury and sat in the middle of the pitch waiting for the ball to be kicked out of play and Darren Bent waited to replace him. But England played on, as Steven Gerrard threaded through Adam Johnson, who skipped past the keeper to make to two goals in as many games.

But just when the contest seemed over, substitute Shaqiri netted a rasper to make it 2-1. The 18-year-old let fly with a wonderful, swerving effort that left Hart clawing at thin air.

Yet England were largely comfortable in the latter stages, with Capello making his final change as Shaun Wright-Phillips replaced goalscorer Rooney, and the the result was put beyond doubt courtesy of a tidy finish from Bent, his first for his country.

SwitzerlandTeam StatisticsEngland
1Goals3
01st Half Goals1
1Shots on Target5
4Shots off Target5
2Blocked Shots1
0Corners3
12Fouls20
2Offsides4
1Yellow Cards2
1Red Cards0
78.2Passing Success84
14Tackles18
78.6Tackles Success83.3
42.9Possession57.1
49.6Territorial Advantage50.4

Comments (82)

Jeff Alli (Chelsea fan) says...

You so called football fans are so stupid in your comments, two good results with mediocre teams and you have already formulated who the England team needs to be without. Dont forget it was the whole England team that did not work, at that level it is is down to coaching and tactics. England''s reprise is to win the Europen Championships nothing less will do. As for handling Rooney with kids glove how long has he been around i believe he gets more than he desrves compared to JT & AC, after all doesnt Roonet take the biscuit having an affair whilst his wife was pregnant, Capello has double standards. So let me see you cry when you come up against decent opposition and then you start crying again. England cannot do without JT or Frank Lampard and this will be proven as time goes past. As i said if England doesnt win the Europen Championships they would have failed again especially with the talent they have on show. Again Capello does not know what he is doing, saying one thing and doing a big reverse.

Posted 13:26 8th September 2010

Gary Moore says...

Lampard should be dropped from England? Your all having a laugh. Must all be red supporters as your too stupid to see hes the most successful English midfielder for the past 5 seasons. Fact. Top assists, top goals scored. I love football but people just dont have a clue. And its funny Rooney cheats on his "Pregnant" wife and all you media do is call for everyone to give them his support and backing? JT and Ash do the same and bam, public enemy number 1. 100% Chelsea, 0% England, I do hope Ash, JT and Lamps dont play for England again, the nation team dont deserve them. Rooney is just a thug end of, and people idolise him for it. Thats the day and age we live in I guess.

Posted 12:56 8th September 2010

John Davies (Chelsea fan) says...

I hope Lamps, JT and Ashley Cole all retire from international football and concntrate on Chelsea. If you deluded England fans think this crop of players will win anything youre are having a laugh ! Youre welcome to Gerrard who constantly gives the ball away and goes missing along with boy wonder Rooney who will start to go downhill as he gets fatter and fatter.

Posted 12:56 8th September 2010

Jonny Heg (Manchester United fan) says...

Why are people moaning about our defence for god sake in every game the opposition will have a few chances even if it is hartlepool vs chelsea, hartlepool will get at least one chance to score where as switzerlands goal was world class. I have to agree with the majority and say we looked more slicker without lampard shooting at every opportunity and disrupting attacks but i feel terry should be back in with jagelkia, and even as a manutd supporter i believe rio is past as his game is based around his recovery pace and as seen last season he has lost this pace

Posted 12:18 8th September 2010

Ben Barrowman says...

A good performance from England,good to see as i was sceptical about are chances of a win at the start of the game. Adam Johnson really made a difference on the game,his pace and skill matched with the ability of being able to deliver a cross mean his footballing future is bright,good to see and proof that the English youth system IS alive and kicking. Was great as well to see Rooney and Defoe finally starting to click,they looked good against Bulgaria and good again last night,important in my eyes if we are going to play the 4-4-2 system as Fabio insists. To all the Man City fans taking credit for "half the team being Man City players",get off your high horse,only 1 of them came through your youth,trying to argue otherwise just makes you look stupid! We''ll see if you still have 6 players when England are at full strength.

Posted 11:40 8th September 2010

John Clarke (Chelsea fan) says...

Good England performance last night, but lets not get carried away again. As for the anti Chelsea brigade, your starting to get boring. England loose, Terry & Lampard are scapegoats. England win without them and we are world beaters! The biased attitude towards these two is bordering on the ridiculous.

Posted 11:28 8th September 2010

Daniel Walthall (Chelsea fan) says...

I have to agree with most on here, and this is coming from a huge Chelsea fan, but England play a lot, lot better without Terry or Lampard. To be honest i don''t think i would put them back in the squad. Maybe Terry as i am still not 100% with the centre backs atm. I would have to see them in some more game and against better opposition. Johnson and Milner are looking excellent on the wings and the only two players that worry me a bit are Glen Johnson at right back - Inconsistent, one game great the other shocking and very gaff prone. And Gareth Barry - In my opinion one of the most over rated players of all time, far far too slow and not very strong either.(Plus he always has a gormless look on his face a bit like Johnson too :P :P) Well done England. More of the same please!

Posted 11:28 8th September 2010

James Harrison says...

From a United fan it''ll seem typical for me to say Terry and Lampard shouldn''t be back in the team. Terry still thinks he''s captain when he plays and disrupts the team and there''s a reason why Lampard holds a World Cup record for the most shots at goal without scoring (40!) Without his pathetic shots we pass it more and build up play. But I will also agree that Ferdinand shouldn''t just walk back in, Jagielka is a quality defender as is Cahill. Forget about the World Cup, we all know what should and should not have happened. Let''s get behind them and let the likes of Johnson, Walcott, Milner, Gerrard and Rooney entertain us.

Posted 11:24 8th September 2010

Jason Lea (Tottenham Hotspur fan) says...

Some of these comments are ridiculous, just shows the ignorance and naivety in this game. For a Team to win trophies, all you need is 11 players that play ¿good¿ together. Whether that be, Garrard, Lampard, Terry, Rooney etc.. All you need is the right combination and balance in a team! Different styles suit different players, as well as different formations! What we need to do is let the manager ¿Fabio capello¿ adopt he¿s own style, players and formation. So sit back, support and enjoy the game! How are Chelsea title champions if terry and Lampard are so rubbish? How are Manchester United so Successful if their star striker is rubbish? How is the premiership the best league in the world if half the MAIN players are rubbish? The problem with Lampard and Gerrard is that THEY ARE THE SAME PLAYER! Play one or the other! Personally I like exciting football with flair and passion. Regardless of win, lose or draw! My team would be: Hart A.cole, Terry, Dawson, Johnson Milner, Gerrard, Johnson, Barry Defoe, Rooney. With, Crouch, Rio, Theo, Joe Cole, Lampard, David James, Lennon. On the bench, because against certain opposition they are little gems. ENGLAND 2012!

Posted 11:17 8th September 2010

Alex French (Aston Villa fan) says...

I can''t believe Barry is getting slatted as much as he is on here. Thought he was very good in the first half but had a slightly quieter second. He''s our ball winning and his work in that role continually gets overlooked. We know he lacks pace but people are very ignorant as they dismiss his overall contribution because of this. Typical English fans pick out players like Barry for criticism rather than your apparent ''Superstars'' - Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard and Terry!

Posted 10:53 8th September 2010

Nick G (Sunderland fan) says...

Rooney had a quiet game, but his goal sense is still magical. The overall performance proved that John Terry isn¿t going to be missed, because he stabbed Capello in the back and is now an outcast. Lampard isn¿t needed any more, because it¿s time to move on with younger players with pace, skill and faster tactics to match, as last night''s game endorsed.

Posted 10:19 8th September 2010

Rod Clifford says...

I am not going to say thet Lampard and Terry are bad players,but they have had their chance, along with many of the old guard who just dont perform when it realy matters.The new players coming in now are a breath of fresh air and i can see the likes of ,Barry,Rooney,making way for new talent in the near future,and whilst i am on the subject, it is only the Chelsea fans complaining about the Lampard,Terry comments.

Posted 10:09 8th September 2010

Richard Hill says...

everyone will get carried away with this result top and bottom of it is Switzerland are a poor side we are slightly better than poor when it comes to winning anything we have to go back to 66 now that is poor for a country who invented the game only positive for me is adam johnson bright young player with alot of skill why was he left out of the world cup squad?

Posted 10:03 8th September 2010

Mike Selby (Crystal Palace fan) says...

Good performance. Point proved .... Gerrard plays better without Lampard. Does Lampard play better without Gerrard? I dont think so. Adam Johnson was a breath of fresh air. All we need now is a reliable right back. Give the centre backs another run out together, they deserve it.

Posted 09:59 8th September 2010

John Hughes says...

How much better do we look without the overated lampard, ferdinand and terry. Quicker, better passing, more passion. Them three should never get back in to the England team now. Im an Everton fan but Gerrard has to stay as captain. Without the 3 most overated players in british football we can win the Euros

Posted 09:46 8th September 2010

Andrew Mcbride (Liverpool fan) says...

England have not become world beaters over night nor had they become a poor team after the World cup. The truth is as always less shocking more mundane. England are rated 7th , Switzerland are rated 17th . England could not beat Germany , Switzerland could beat Spain . Against Bulgaria England looked at times a little fragile but came throughg with a covincing win. In Switzerland they looked (in the first half at least) a much better side and defeated a hard to beat team that had not conceded a goal for many matches and not been beaten at home for over a year. So against poor oposition (Bulgaria) we were nervous but came through strongly. Against better oposition we dominated and gained a good result. Given some of the comments on here are we now to say that Spain are no longer a quality team because they were beaten by Argentia so convicingly ? Can we start getting less sensational and more realistic in this country and this applies to the Media as well as the fans,England are a good side and when as they have in the last two matches they play players in their favoured positions they can be a very good team . Are they competition winners ? Possibly if they get the luck and can build up a momentum .

Posted 09:32 8th September 2010

Steve Cuthbert says...

Seems to be very little in the way of praise for darren Bent so far. Why is that ....simple....because the press would take more notice of him if he were playing for one of the top six. Its about time the press dropped their bias and started looking at the game in general in a more balanced way. Bent got a slating after the Brazil game but just look at the mediocre side he was in and didnt get a good supply of crosses or passes coming to him. A strikers only as good as his suppliers make him. So lm glad to see hes been able to prove himself on the international stage with a decent squad around him. cant wait to see him in action alongside Guyan with wellbeck just behind them...awesome

Posted 08:50 8th September 2010

Mo Edwards (Liverpool fan) says...

The one thing that continuously baffles me is what the hell is Rooney? He lost the ball so many times - in all England matches, does next to nothing but trot around, and when he scored that (given) penalty the sun shone out his butt from the media? The guy is mediocre at best, and hopeless most of the time, why oh why does everyone think he is so important? I feel sick for the other players who perform way better than Rooney - but it''s him that garners all the praise for doing - well - nothing at all!

Posted 08:41 8th September 2010

Mark Tripp (Manchester United fan) says...

I have to agree with most of you in saying that Lampard would NOT get in my England team! Gerrard does a far better job simply because he is a far better player. However, I would have to play Terry because although disruptive, he always gives his all and lets face it, he he a world class defender. I am still not a fan of Barry - too slow and definately not strong enough!

Posted 08:40 8th September 2010

Paul Tooley says...

we won the game , stop whinging about players missing and look at who actually played. And by the way to the armchair managers on here saying Switzerland are nothing, all the experts agree they are a hard side to beat and no pushover, considering they were the only team in the world cup to beat Spain.Why cant everyone just accept the fact we won the game and be thankful for it instead of the constant sniping and bull about meeting the bigger teams and losing, we havent met them yet worry about it when we do.

Posted 08:23 8th September 2010

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