Capello's winning start deflates Swiss

England 2-1 Switzerland

Minute's silence
Goals from Jermaine Jenas and substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips either side of an Eren Derdiyok strike for Switzerland ensured the Italian enjoyed a winning start in a game preceded by a minute's silence for those killed in the Munich air disaster of 6 February 1958.

Eight changes
Capello stamped his mark by making eight changes to the team that lost to Croatia in November, a defeat that cost England a place at UEFA EURO 2008™. Only Steven Gerrard, captain for the night, Gareth Barry and Joe Cole retained their places from Steve McClaren's last match and Capello's new-look England took time to gel.

Uncertain start
Capello was quickly off the bench as England squandered possession and it was Switzerland who had the first sight of goal, Tranquillo Barnetta forcing David James into a save on six minutes. England responded. Joe Cole sent Wayne Rooney into the area and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio dashed off his line to block the striker's shot.

Swiss chances
Capello has fond memories of the old Wembley, having scored the winner for Italy against England here in 1973. He was not liking his return quite so much. Scowling on the touchline with arms crossed, he looked on as Mario Eggimann then Daniel Gygax came close. UEFA EURO 2008™ co-hosts Switzerland, who had won just four of ten games in 2007, were clearly intent on getting this all-important year off to a positive start.

Cole goal
It was England, though, who ended the half the stronger and after their first period of sustained pressure they forced the breakthrough on 40 minutes. Joe Cole brushed past Stephan Lichtsteiner on the left then cut the ball back for Jenas to touch in from five metres. Switzerland were fortunate not to concede again soon after the restart. Rooney twice missed narrowly in quick succession before Benaglio saved from Jenas.

Derdiyok strike
Against the run of play Jakob Kuhn's side drew level on 58 minutes. Barnetta picked out substitute Derdiyok on the edge of the area and the 19-year-old, on his debut, lashed a shot beyond James. England hit back four minutes later. Gerrard burst forward and squared for Wright-Phillips to restore the advantage. Another good stop from Benaglio denied Peter Crouch as England finished strongly, giving Capello hope and leaving his counterpart Kuhn to ponder a third straight defeat with UEFA EURO 2008™ fast approaching.