Welbeck helps England win first match of Euro 2016 qualifiers

Arsenal's new signing scored twice to help England win an important 2-0 right in Switzerland.

Welbeck shines in the center forward position. Photo: EPA.

The match between England and Switzerland is considered an early final in Group E because the two teams that just participated in the 2014 World Cup are in the same group with four weak opponents: Slovenia, Estonia, San Marino and Lithuania.

After a goalless first half, England opened the scoring in the 59th minute through Danny Welbeck. This was the result of a quick counter-attack with the front three playing together. Rooney sent Sterling down the left flank before the Liverpool midfielder delivered a precise cross for Welbeck to tap the ball into the net.

In the fourth minute of injury time, Welbeck completed a successful match day with his second goal against Switzerland. Receiving a favorable assist from Rickie Lambert, the former Man Utd striker finished diagonally past goalkeeper Sommer.

Roy Hodgson, who led Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup, had a strong response after England’s lackluster performance against Norway last week. The visitors were cautious and waited for every opportunity, while Switzerland were not as clinical in front of goal. If they had capitalized on their chances, Switzerland could have snatched a point.

Sterling is still the biggest change in England's attack. The midfielder made a favorable assist for Rooney early in the match, but the captain's shot was too weak. On the other side, Switzerland had the best chance to open the score, but Seferovic could not beat Joe Hart in a one-on-one situation.

Joe Hart contributed with two excellent saves. Photo: Offside.

The highlight of the first half was Phil Jones' header which Sommer struggled to keep out. In the second half, Seferovic had another chance to score but his volley was brilliantly blocked by Joe Hart. Joe Hart's save was the turning point before Welbeck opened the scoring for England a few minutes later.

Switzerland almost equalized thanks to substitute striker Josip Drmic. However, when Drmic beat Hart, Cahill made a timely save on the goal line.

Line-up

Switzerland (4-3-2-1): Sommer, Lichsteiner, Djourou, von Bergen, Rodriguez, Behrami, Inler, Mehmedi (Drmic 63'), Xhaka (Dzemaili 74'), Shaqiri, Seferovic.

England (4-4-2): Hart, Stones, Cahill, Jones (Jagielka 77'), Baines, Wilshere (Milner 73'), Henderson, Delph, Sterling, Welbeck, Rooney (Lambert 90').

Goal: Welbeck (59', 90')

According to VnExpress.net