Switzerland Vs. England Euro 2012 Qualifier Match Review

England traveled to Basel for the 2nd round of qualifiers, looking to maintain their 100% start. After an exhilarating performance by the Three Lions at Wembley against Bulgaria , the English camp had to endure yet more negative publicity with the daily tabloids more focussed on the lurid details of Wayne Rooney‘s private scandalous life, which dominated the build up to this qualifier. Fabio Capello was brave enough to back Rooney and assuring that the Manchester United hitman was in the right state of mind and would be in the starting line up to face the Swiss. Skipper Gerrard also backed his compatriot, and at the same time warned his side not to be complacent against the Swiss who shocked Spain during the World Cup, and singled out Gokhan Inler as a threat to his country’s chances.

The Italian sticked with the same side, and sure enough, England started pretty well, and the breakthrough came as early as the 10th minute, when Glen Johnson made a terrific run on the right flank and put in a low cross in the box for Rooney to score and end his barren run. Theo Walcott had got his foot stuck in the turf during the build up, and was carried off on a stretcher [bad news for Arsenal fans] to be replaced by Adam Johnson. The English created chances aplenty only for Defoe to spurn most of them. The Spurs striker had scored a hatrick on his previous outing, but was having a torrid time in front of goal this evening.

At the start of the second half, the Swiss attacked with more purpose, putting the English back line under substantial pressure. But their efforts were dealt a blow when Lichsteiner, the Swiss full back, was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence on James Milner. And soon after, England gave themselves some breathing space, when Gerrard threaded a lovely through ball for Adam Johnson, who rounded the keeper, and calmly slotted the ball in the net on the 69th minute mark.

But the England celebrations were cut short, when 18 year old Shaqiri, making his international debut, cut inside and unleashed a sensational strike from about 25 yards which beat Joe Hart all ends up. The goal gave the home side a fighting chance. The visitors though, having a man advantage, kept plucking away and got their rewards when Darren Bent,who had come on to replace Defoe, controlled an Ashley Cole pass and scored with a powerful left foot strike,ensuring a memorable victory for the visitors.

Even Don Capello was relishing his team’s professional display, and had a few light moments with his staff on the touchline.

This victory makes it 2 wins from 2 for the Three Lions in the qualifiers, placing themselves at the top of Group G with a healthy goal difference. The interesting question that comes to mind is that is this the same old England, impressive in the qualifiers but poor when it really matters, or is this the dawn of a new era for the English national side….