Switzerland draw comfort from defeat

England had to show their qualities in a variety of different ways in their opening game in the UEFA Under-21 European Championship and it helped them record a 2-1 victory over Switzerland to become the early front runners in Group A.

Tougher task awaits
David Platt has far too much international experience, however, to get carried away by one result and he will know that, as close as the host nation ran them in Zurich last night, a tougher task seems certain to be posed by holders Italy on Monday and by Portugal two days later.

Immediate impression
Nevertheless there was much that was to the satisfaction of the England coach as his team declared their intent to make an immediate impression on the tournament with a goal after just two minutes. Defensive strength was evident in the way they resisted Switzerland’s spirited recovery in the second half, and their discipline in adapting to the challenge of hard-line refereeing also had to be admired.

Tournament football
Platt said it was something that had to be quickly learned by his young charges and put into practice every time they stepped over national boundaries. “Players have to learn in tournament football that certain things that would not be regarded as fouls in England are considered fouls abroad” he said.

Defoe impresses
The zero tolerance approach to physical excess meant that Platt was reluctant to risk Sean Davis’s participation in future games by allowing him to remain on the pitch once he had been booked and then continued to be blown up for fouls. The Fulham FC midfielder was withdrawn before half-time. By that stage England were a goal ahead after Jermaine Defoe again showed how easily he can meet every new examination of his talent, having won plaudits in an assured first season with West Ham United FC.

Telling cross
Swiss coach Bernard Challandes had warned his side about England’s attacking riches and he will have been dismayed that they allowed the visitors to capitalise so early, as David Dunn fed the consistently impressive Arsenal FC youngster Jermain Pennant who produced a telling cross.

'A good three points'
“Playing the host nation in that kind of atmosphere it has to be a good three points gained,” said Platt. “If the Swiss perform with that kind of spirit in their next two games then it could make our job [qualification] easier.” The Swiss team went on a lap of honour at the end, and were warmly received, which only emphasised that they see themselves as outsiders in this tough section.

Crouch on target
When Peter Crouch hooked home eight minutes into the second half after Dunn’s free-kick had spun loose off the defensive wall, it seemed that England had an unassailable advantage and could begin to ease down through the gears.

Frei free-kick
For all the bright prompting from captain Ricardo Cabanas and the persistence of Alexander Frei, both with senior international experience, Switzerland could not find a finishing touch in front of goal. However within five minutes the winning margin had reverted to a single goal as Frei chipped past Paul Robinson direct from a free-kick. The Leeds United AFC goalkeeper then took revenge with an exceptional double save as every avenue was explored to wring out a last-gasp equaliser.

Celebration day
Their effort drew praise from the Swiss coach, who said it was a celebration day for his country’s football; honoured to stage an international tournament and almost matching a nation of England’s reknowned footballing pedigree.

'Fans went home happy'
“It was important for the team, and important for Swiss football that the fans went home happy,” said Challandes. “We are not happy to have no points but we have to be content with a performance like that. England are very strong and well organised but playing like that it is possible to win points in our next two games, perhaps on Monday against Portugal.”