England v Switzerland

06/02/2008

6 Feb

England 2 - 1 Switzerland
Attendance: 86,857

The first event at Wembley Stadium in 2008 saw England take on Switzerland in a friendly international match. The match marked the start of a new era in English football as new manager Fabio Capello took charge of the team for the first time.

Steven Gerrard led out the team in front of a near capacity crowd, with a much altered line up from England's last match at Wembley against Croatia last November. Before the match, the players and fans joined together in a minute's silence to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich aircrash.

Wayne Rooney had a handful of early chances for England and Daniel Gygax looked dangerous in attack for the Swiss. Jermaine Jenas had a great chance to put the home side ahead after cleverly beating the off side trap but his cross was saved by goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. Joe Cole came close to breaking the deadlock after connecting with Gerrard's blocked shot but his attempt was saved. Cole came close again but his shot was parried away by the 'keeper and Rooney was unable to convert from the rebound.

England broke the deadlock on 40 minutes from a Jenas shot, after some great work down the left from Joe Cole.

England started the second half the brighter of the two teams, with chances from Rooney and Jenas, but soon found themselves level after substitute Eren Derdiyok was put through by Tranquillo Barnetta after 58 minutes. The home side regained the lead three minutes later as Gerrard's pass was met by Shaun Wright-Phillips who slotted the ball past the keeper.

The second half was quieter than the first with both sides utilising their substitutions. Skipper Gerrard was awarded man of the match after a great effort in the centre of midfield.

England's next match is a friendly against France in Paris on 26 March. England's next scheduled match at Wembley is in a World Cup 2010 qualifier against Kazakstan on 11 October.

At this match, England unvieled their new away shirt which will be worn during the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The shirt is available from 12 March but you can pre-order now from the Wembley Stadium online store.