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
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
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
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
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
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
Gökhan 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), Stéphane Grichting 5 (for
Senderos, 56), Benjamin Huggel (for Gelson, 84)
Not used Pascal Zuberbühler, Fabio Coltorti, Xavier Margairaz, Reto
Ziegler.
Referee Felix Brych (Germany).
I think Ashley Cole, Wes Brown and Gareth Barry all looked out of place. Steve Gerrard just held his own until he set up SWP for the second goal. I would expect some changes to the starting 11 next game.
Laurie Walterson, Regina, Canada/ Saskatchewan
I think england have some excellent players.But the important change that is needed is for the players is to keep the ball better.If fabio concentrates on possesion football england will progress.Watch any of the big teams internationally.And you will notice they keep the ball better.England treat the ball like a hot potatato.It's not rocket science every time someone receives the ball the other players need to make themselves available for a pass.Give the player 3 or 4 options of a pass.if this is indoctrinated into the players.I think the change will be dramatic.individually we have better players than most nations but they keep the ball better.This is why we struggle against the smaller teams.When teams are finding it hard to get possesion this is when gaps appear at the back.Where as now teams simply wait for us to concede possesion.Also if we are going to play 1 upfront rooney is not the man we need a big striker with mobility ie bent from spurs/cole or ashton from west ham.
andrew dawkins, ilford, london, england
Satisfactory performance from England.
Can I ask why have the press, the Times and the Daily Mail, given Rooney a 7/10 rating? Was I the only person who saw him miss at least 3 open goals and constantly give the ball away and be offside. Rooney, like Owen, has underacheived for England and needs to improve dramatically to stay in the England team and even the squad. Capello will not stand for under performers. That is why he is the man for the job.
Wes Brown and Rio Ferdinand: useless. Awful defending that cost England the Swiss goal. Wes Brown needs to go. He shouldn't have even played.
Also, did Gareth Barry touch the ball?
Can I also comment on the commentater John Motson. Why is it that every time Wayne Rooney gets the ball, John Motson yells out "ROONEY!!!!!!!" as if something amazing is about to happen? Why does he do that? Next time the BBC host the match, you will realise it. It's just annoying. There might as well be no commentary team.
George Kearney, Guildford,
Why did Rooney get a 7? Very generous I feel. He is an underperformer, like Owen, and Capello will not tolerate this sort of form for much longer. To justify this point, Rooney went out last night anf missed at least 3 open goals, and had about 10 shots which only 1 or 2 were on target. He was poor.
Did Gareth Barry touch the ball? I thought he was off the pitch for the whole game.
Wes Brown - shouldn't play again. Micah Richards deserves to play at Right Back. Very poor from Brown. His blunders nearly cost England a second goal.
Capello - I have every faith in the man. A win on his first game. Good tactics. BUT after that friendly, the team should be alot better and alot different.
George Kearney, Guildford,
Whilst i agree that over 90 minutes Gerrrard was overshadowed by Cole, Bentley and Rooney, to say he didn't perform is unfair.
Whos surge into the penalty area and fine pass created the winning goal for SWP? I believe it was Captain Gerrard.
To opine that a Champions League winning captain has only a Premier League pace is patently incorrect. Indeed, the only club competition not on his CV is... the Premier League Championship.
Gerrard may not be a vocal captain, much like Beckham. He is an example captain, and his endeavour and commitment on the field can never be doubted.
For Jenas to be rated ahead of Gerrard on last nights performances seems capricious. Aside from (the admittedly important) score, what exactly did Jenas contribute in his 56 minutes?
Mark Elliott, Leicsester, UK
It looked to be the same old Mclaren side that wandered onto the pitch in the first thirty minutes. I'm sure that Fabio didn't intend that to happen. I wonder if any of our players have the ability to adapt to a different style of game when their arrogance and their club managers will see to it that it will just be exactly the same as always when the premier and cup games come along. This is where the majority of the football happens after all. I think it unrealistic to expect the England team to change their approach to the game and I think that Fabio will become increasingly frustrated and isolated. Old dog, new tricks? Nah
Alex, Harrow, England
gerrard has been carried all year by liverpool and was passanger for long periods last night did he connect with more than 3 passes all night. last night also proved that barry and international football do not mix. why was hargreaves englands best player for some time now not started
seamus, dublin, ireland
I think that Rooney has been given too much credit in this particular game. Not 7/10 in my opinion, and certainly not man of the match. He showed the occasional flashes of his skill - it looked nice but didn't seem to have much impact. He seemed lost on his own up front. It was a role that did not appear to play to his strengths.
Kevan, New Jersey,
Can Gerrard give the ball away anymore. The International game is all about possession, keeping the ball! Gerrard has one pace to his game, a fast long ball one, a premiership pace, when the midfield is packed out the game short he is found out as is his short game, giving the ball away nearly every time or going for the hollywood ball that never works! Atleast Lampard can keep hold of the ball and play at different tempos! Get him in and Gerrard out for the next game!
To name him Man of the Match was a joke, Cole, Bentley or Rooney should have been given the award!
Russ, Fleet,
Bentley did more than that write-up suggessted.He put it on a plate for Rooney-who should have scored and also delivered a great ball that Crouch nearly volleyed home.A great display all things considered by bentley and a rightful rebuke to those total idiots shouting for Beckham after only 20 MINUTES of bentleys FIRST match-what an absolute disgrace.Some england "fans" are beyond brainless,they really are.
rob, London, Uk
No-one knows what the players are like to work with, or how they respond to instructions in training when given, so I think people should just let Fabio pick the team as he seems to know far more about football than your average fair weather England fan.
Ginny, London,
Rooney gets a 7 why? For the part of the game where the Swiss left him loads of space with their reserves? Not the part where he was meant to play for the team. Only last week Sir Alex calls him out for playing for himself and wasting energy when he is meant to be the front man. Add in 7 shots 1 on target and Andrew Cole must wonder how 10 shots+ a goal gets away with it.
Frankly when Capello watches the tape and picks a front man at best it will be with a warning to the future. At worst he is competing with Joe Cole on the left and that is a no contest. Even Bentley on the right as the only player in the team with a decent delivery would be a reach for a player too often caught in or losing possession.
I just do not understand why someone did not apprise Capello of the fact that Wes Brown is too poor technically to be a modern right back. Ditto Ashley Cole on the left.
Jonathan, Feltham, Middlesex