David James
It comes to something when a goalkeeper known as “Calamity” is regarded as a safe pair of hands, but compared with his rivals the 37-year-old is exactly that. The Portsmouth goalkeeper did nothing wrong on his first start since the errors that led to his portrayal as a donkey after a 2-2 draw in Austria in 2004, making a smart save from Tranquillo Barnetta. 6
Wes Brown
A surprise selection and the Manchester United defender still seemed to be shell-shocked when the match kicked off, with a mis-kick reminiscent of Paul Robinson’s air-shot in Croatia presenting Barnetta with an opportunity to shoot. Settled down shortly afterwards, but a truer indication of his worth is provided by the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to let him leave United. 5
Rio Ferdinand
Advertisement
Spoke like a statesman rather than a naughty schoolboy earlier in the week, but will have to perform with greater distinction when given his trial with the captain’s armband if he is to be made the leader he aspires to be. As comfortable in possession as always but his marking was occasionally lax, most notably when he failed to follow Eren Derdiyok’s run, from which Switzerland equalised. 6
Matthew Upson
Had not played for England since the infamous friendly in Spain when several black players were racially abused in November 2004, and in the early stages it was easy to see why. The West Ham United defender was beaten in the air by Philippe Senderos at a corner and gave the ball away more than is permissible. John Terry is unlikely to be worried about losing his place. 5
Ashley Cole
Has had too much going on in his personal life to worry about the privations caused by Fabio Capello’s new, strict regime. Concentrating on his day job may be no bad thing as Cole just about justified his selection ahead of Wayne Bridge, barely putting a foot wrong defensively and playing several good balls forward to Wayne Rooney. 6
Advertisement
Gareth Barry
Chosen to anchor the midfield ahead of the more dynamic Owen Hargreaves, giving further ammunition to those who have suggested that Capello has been seduced by all things Aston Villa. The Villa captain had a more difficult evening than he would have expected and did well to keep the visiting team at bay, suggesting the Manchester United midfield player has a fight on his hands. 6
David Bentley
Chants of “There’s only one David Beckham” were heard from the 22nd minute, but that should not be taken as a criticism of his replacement. Bentley impressed on his first start and may have gone some way towards winning round the fans who booed him here last year, using the ball intelligently, getting up and down the right flank and going close with an audacious chip from 30 yards. 7
Steven Gerrard
Advertisement
As an introvert who often brings the weight of the world upon his shoulders, the Liverpool midfield player is not a natural captain and he initially appeared to be overburdened by his new responsibility. Gave the ball away to present Switzerland with a chance to open the scoring early on and then drifted out of the game, but recovered to play a crucial part in both England goals. 6
Jermaine Jenas
Such an unlikely hero that his agent boarded a train to Nottingham yesterday afternoon because he did not expect him to play, a seemingly sound decision given that it was his fourth start in five years and he played for only 15 minutes under Steve McClaren. The midfield player deserved his chance and made the most of it with a well-taken goal that he almost added to in the second half. 7
Joe Cole
The bright spot of a lacklustre first half, which deservedly ended with him creating the opening goal, leaving Stephan Lichsteiner on his backside with an inspired sleight of foot that enabled Jenas to score his first senior international goal. Other than his comically poor tackling, Cole was England’s best player throughout, using the ball well and being denied several times by Diego Benaglio. 8
Advertisement
Wayne Rooney
Given that he loves a licence to roam, the Manchester United striker is not a natural choice to lead the line on his own, but he performed with far greater distinction than his last outing in the role, when he was sent off in the World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal. Went close with several shots in the first half, but too often left England without any presence in Switzerland’s penalty area. 7
Substitutions
Shaun Wright-Phillips (for Jenas, 58min): Timely introduction, scoring the winning goal 6; Peter Crouch (for J Cole, 58): Brought Rooney into play 6; Wayne Bridge (for A Cole, 74); Owen Hargreaves (for Barry, 74); Ashley Young (for Rooney, 87). Not used Scott Carson, Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott, Jonathan Woodgate, Michael Owen, Jermain Defoe, Chris Kirkland.
Capello watch
Advertisement
Tactics
Sprang several surprises, notably the inclusion of Gareth Barry and Jermaine Jenas, which along with his decision to go with only one forward provided an early insight into his safety-first mentality. The Italian is more concerned with positional discipline than many of his predecessors and his players succeeded in keeping their shape within a 4-1-4-1 formation, without developing any real fluency. England were at their best after the introduction of Peter Crouch, which provided them with a focal point as well as liberating Wayne Rooney. 6
Style
The man is more stylish than his football team, but the fans will not be complaining if his functional football delivers results. From his shiny black boots to his dark overcoat, Capello exudes a serious, sober air at every turn, as David Beckham and Michael Owen could testify, with two former captains and national heroes facing crisis points in their international careers. For all his firmness, Capello has shown he is also flexible, coming up with an innovative team selection, even if it produced more questions than answers. 6
Communication
Showed little inclination to talk to Stuart Pearce, who sat next to him in the dugout as if to prove that his title as an England coach is not purely notional, but appeared to have little problem getting his message across to his players. Sprang off the bench at signs of trouble to take up a position on the edge of the technical area, where he barked instructions, presumably in English. His half-time team-talk also appeared to make a difference as England emerged with greater urgency, even if they did concede an equaliser. 6
Substitutions
If a manager is to be judged by his substitutions, Capello is a genius because Shaun Wright-Phillips restored England’s lead five minutes after his introduction. Peter Crouch also made a considerable impact when he was brought on to lead the line and did enough to suggest that Capello’s previous preference for a big target man may be repeated in his new position. Michael Owen will not be hailing the manager’s tactical acumen, however, after being left to stew on the bench while Crouch and Ashley Young were sent on ahead of him. 7
Impact
Not a Messiah but clearly a man with no time for naughty boys, Capello’s overriding impact has been to put a black line through the recent history of the national team and start from scratch. This is English football’s year zero. Capello may have few options with which to revolutionise his squad but how he utilises them has already been radically different, with no pandering to superstars and fresh starts for rejects and fringe players such as Jenas, David James and David Bentley. England have begun the climb from the abyss. 7
How Switzerland rated
Diego Benaglio 5
Stephan Lichsteiner 5
Philippe Senderos 5
Mario Eggimann 4
Christoph Spycher 5
Gelson Fernandes 6
G?khan Inler 5
Tranquillo Barnetta 6
Hakan Yakin 5
Daniel Gygax 4
Blaise Nkufo 5
Substitutes Valon Behrami 5 (for Lichsteiner, 46), Johan Vonlanthen 5 (for Gygax, 46), Eren Derdiyok 6 (for Nkufo, 46), St?phane Grichting 5 (for Senderos, 56), Benjamin Huggel (for Gelson, 84)
Not used Pascal Zuberb?hler, Fabio Coltorti, Xavier Margairaz, Reto Ziegler.
Referee Felix Brych (Germany).