Euro 2012: Switzerland v England Team News

Tagged under: Euro 2012

Fabio Capello has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will start for England against Switzerland for the Euro 2012 qualifier in Basle tonight. There has been much speculation about Rooney’s involvement and the level of performance that can be expected from him following the intensity of press interest over his private life this week. Online bookmakers are offering free bets for new customers which can be redeemed on tonight’s match. England beat Bulgaria in a convincing 4-0 victory in the opening Euro 2012 Group G qualifying match at Wembley on Friday. Rooney’s contribution was integral to the win as he reveled in a free role behind Jermain Defoe and he had an influence in all four of England’s goals. Hat-trick hero Defoe is available at odds of 5/1 with 888 Sport to score the first goal of the game tonight. His manager will hope for a similar performance from Rooney in, what on paper looks to be, the toughest match up in England’s qualifying group. Of bigger concern for Capello is the centre of his defence which is already missing stalwarts Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. Spurs Michael Dawson is sidelined for up to six weeks following a nasty injury suffered on Friday and to leave a dilemma on who should partner Everton’s Phil Jagielka. Gary Cahill came on to replace Dawson at Wembley and the Bolton defender could be selected ahead of West Ham’s Matthew Upson and Manchester City’s Joleon Lescott. Capello is expected to continue with Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry in central midfield in the absence of injured Frank Lampard. Striker Alexander Frei has netted 40 times in 78 appearances for Switzerland and poses the main goal threat to England’s inexperienced defensive line up. With the prospect of a tight game, Frei is available at odds of 9/1 with Victor Chandler to score the first goal of the game. Defender Phillipe Senderos and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio are missing from Ottmar Hitzfeld’s squad, but winger Tranquillo Barnetta should be fit to take part. Possible starting line ups: SWITZERLAND: Wolfli, Lichsteiner, Grichting, Von Bergen, Ziegler, Fernandes, Degen, barnetta, Inler, Frei, Derdiyok. ENGLAND: Hart, G Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, A Cole, Barry, Gerrard, Milner, Walcott, Rooney, Defoe.

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