Welbeck scores 2 as England beat Switzerland in Euro 2016 qualifier, Latest Others News - The New Paper
Sports

Welbeck scores 2 as England beat Switzerland in Euro 2016 qualifier

Arsenal's new player, Danny Welbeck scored twice, the first with his shin, as England began their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a lively 2-0 win away to Switzerland, on Tuesday (Sept 9, Singapore time). 

For the record, his two goals equals the number of goals that his former club Manchester United have scored in the current season of the Premier League. 

He broke the deadlock when he met Raheem Sterling’s low cross in his stride and the ball flew into the net off his shin after Switzerland's Gokhan Inler lost possession in midfield in the 58th minute.

Raheem Sterling was involved in both goals as England gave a vastly-improved performance on their World Cup outings (where they went out in the group stage) and their lumbering 1-0 friendly win over Norway.


Raheem Sterling was influential for England. Photo: AFP

As the Swiss were pressing for an equaliser, Welbeck then made England’s opening Group E game safe in stoppage time - when he produced the finishing touch to a counter-attack that Sterling started and Rickie Lambert continued.

 
Welbeck slotting in his second goal for England. Photo: AFP

With the top two reaching the finals from a group which contains Slovenia, Estonia, San Marino and Lithuania, and the third-placed team either qualifying directly or going into a playoff, England already seem to be halfway to the finals - set to be held in France. 

“Switzerland don’t lose at home and we had to work hard for it because we missed our chances earlier,” Hodgson told reporters.

He had coached the Swiss at the 1994 World Cup. 

“When we can counter-attack against teams, the pace, energy and the youth of the team is shown to good effect," he said.

“We adopted a reasonably bold approach because I know if it’s going to work in the future, if this group of players is going to become any good, we have to do it from the start. Luckily, we got the result which will help us.”

Petkovic said his Switzerland team paid for two mistakes.

“It was a shame to lose the first game,” he told reporters. “We were a bit nervous, we made two mistakes as a result of insecurity.”'

Other games

Spain kick of their European Championship with a thumping 5-1 win over Macedonia. 

Sweden were left waiting for their first win against Austria after they drew 1-1. 

Source: Reuters

 

 

englandEuro 2016