Rooney fires England

Under-pressure striker Wayne Rooney helped fire England to a 3-1 win over Switzerland in their Euro 2012 qualifier in Basel on Wednesday.

The Manchester United front man put allegations about his private life behind him to slot home a cross from Glen Johnson after just 10 minutes to leave England undefeated at the head of Group G after two matches.

Rooney's goal came at a price, however, with emerging star Theo Walcott stretchered off after suffering an injury to his ankle in the build up.

England dominated the first-half and the Swiss were lucky to be just one goal down at the break.

After an hour England midfielder James Milner was cautioned and will now miss England's next qualifier against Montenegro at Wembley on October 12 after also being booked against Bulgaria on Friday.

Switzerland defender Stephan Lichsteiner was sent off after 65 minutes after collecting two yellow cards, and the visitors capitalised four minutes later when substitute Adam Johnson took the ball round Swiss 'keeper Diego Benaglio to double England's lead.

Xherdan Shaqiri pulled one back for the hosts with a spectacular long-range strike past Joe Hart, ensuring England had to endure a few nervous moments in the closing stages.

But Sunderland striker Darren Bent put the issue beyond doubt when he added a third just two minutes from time.