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England boss Fabio Capello had the perfect start to his new job thanks to a 2-1 victory over Switzerland at Wembley. Goals from Jermaine Jenas and Shaun Wright-Phillips were enough to cancel out Derdiyok's equaliser.
Chelsea winger Joe Cole was the best player on the pitch in the first half and it was his fine work from the left side of the penalty area as he hoodwinked the rival defenders, which led to a simple tap-in for Jenas.
The Three Lions missed a great chance when Rio Ferdinand headed off a David Bentley corner-kick, over the cross bar in the 26th minute. Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio came up with decent saves off Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole.
Kubi Kuhn’s men, who were captained by Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos, for their credit, had a couple of attempts on David James’ goal, but a simple opportunity went begging as Mario Eggimann failed to get his header on target from a close range following a free-kick from Hakan Yakin.
England had a great chance soon in the second half when Bentley floated in a cross into the path of Rooney but the Manchester United striker’s first touch saw the rival defender arriving in time to force the ball away. The understanding in the hosts’ camp seemed lot better than in the first period, and both players again combined with Rooney this time trying to chip the ball but not executing the shot well.
Jenas, who last started for the Three Lions against Colombia during the tour of the United States during the summer of 2005, almost had his second goal of the game but Benaglio was at full stretch to parry the ball out.
Gunners central defender Senderos, who had received a knock very early in the opening half, left the field in the 55th minute and Stephane Grichting came as a replacement.
Switzerland equalised in the 58th minute as Derdiyok scored a stunning goal with an angular drive on his international debut after being set up by the combination of Yakin and Tranquillo Barnetta.
A superb run by skipper Steven Gerrard and cross from the left side of the penalty area into the six-yard box saw Blues winger Wright-Phillips hand the lead back to the host side in the 62nd minute with an easy tap-in.
Written by majicka
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