England beat Switzerland 3-1 in Basle on Tuesday (7th September) night after an impressive performance in a European Championship Group G qualifier at St Jakob Park.
Wayne Rooney, Adam Johnson and Darren Bent scored the goals for Fabio Capello's side, with Xherdan Shaqiri getting on the scoresheet for the hosts.
The Swiss were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Stephan Lichtsteiner picked up a second yellow for a foul on James Milner.
After a promising 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in their opening Group G qualifier, England walked out at St Jakob Park in Basle against hosts Switzerland in confident mood. And the visitors came flying out of the traps.
Theo Walcott released Glen Johnson down the right, and his cross found the feet of Wayne Rooney - who made no mistake. After a week where his private life has filled the English newspapers, the Manchester United striker's celebration was muted.
Walcott paid for his involvement in the goal - receiving a knock on the ankle. He left the field on a stretcher and was taken to hospital. England were outclassing their opponents could have been out of sight by the break but for a series of missed chances.
The Swiss improved in the second half, but were reduced to ten men in the 65th minute. Stephan Lichtsteiner had already been booked when he dived in on James Milner - and the referee had little choice as he took the man before the ball to earn a red card.
The Swiss complained, but replays supported the decision. And England punished them as Steven Gerrard found the feet of Adam Johnson, and the Manchester City winger expertly rounded the 'keeper to make it 0-2. But out of nowhere the hosts came back into it as Xherdan Shaqiri smashed in a shot that left Joe Hart grasping at air.
1-2 and with 19 minutes remaining suddenly there was all to play for, but England were not finished themselves and wrapped up the match when substitute Darren Bent slotted home with a low finish.- his first for his country.
England held on for an impressive victory against a surprisingly poor Swiss side, and collect another three points in their journey towards Poland and the Ukraine. AP
