England brush aside Switzerland to continue winning start

Wayne Rooney justified Fabio Capello’s decision to play him by breaking his international goalscoring drought and gaining some headlines for the right reasons as England beat Switzerland 3-1 in Basle.

The Manchester United striker, who has been dominating the newspapers following allegations over his private life, gave England the lead in the tenth minute after Glen Johnson’s low cross found him unmarked in the six-yard box.

The only downside for the Three Lions was an injury to Theo Walcott, sustained in the move that led to the goal, resulting in the Arsenal star being stretchered off with an ankle injury.

He was replaced by Adam Johnson, who enhanced his growing reputation with a sizzling diplay.

Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side were reduced to ten men midway through the second half when Stephan Lichtsteiner was given his marching orders for a late challenge on James Milner.

The pair had been engaged in a running battle, with both booked for their efforts. Milner will now miss England’s next qualifier at home to Montenegro, on October 12, as a result of his yellow card.

England capitalised on their numerical advantage when Johnson doubled the lead, coolly rounding goalkeeper Diego Benaglio to slot home for his second international goal in five days following his effort against Bulgaria on Friday..

Xherdan Shaqiri rifled in a 25-yard screamer as Switzerland threatened to mount an unlikely comeback but Capello’s side weathered the storm to finish the job when Bent’s strike expertly beat Benaglio at his near post.

A second successive win gives Capello’s side a maximum six points from six and puts them in control of Group G after the first round of qualifying games. England sit top of the group with Montenegro.

Elsewhere, Giovanni Trappatoni’s Republic of Ireland continued their winning start in Group B with a 3-1 win over Andorra. Kevin Kilbane, Kevin Doyle and Robbie Keane were all on target.

Scotland left it late to beat Lichenstein, scoring in the seventh minute of stoppage time to record a 2-1 win and make it a clean sweep of victories for the home nations. Stephen McManus’ late header and a Kenny Miller strike stole the points for the Scots after they came from behind to win.