6 February 2008
VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Wayne Rooney post match

The Manchester United striker says that the team performance was the best part of the victory over Switzerland.

England

2-1

Switzerland

Jenas 40, Wright-Phillips 62

 

Derdiyok 58

International Friendly
8pm, Wednesday 6 February 2008
Wembley Stadium
Live on BBC1

Wayne Rooney says he was pleased to be part of an England victory to kick off Fabio Capello's reign as manager, and admits he is excited for the future.

Playing in a lone striking role, Rooney was central to much of England's attacking invention and came close to scoring on a number of occasions but it was the result and performance of the team that pleased him most.

"The first game under the new manager and we would have taken the win before the game, so we're really pleased with it," Rooney told TheFA.com.

"Of course, for a new manager you want to show him what you can do and play well to try and keep your place in the team. We've all tried our best tonight and hopefully we've done enough to keep a place in the team, but I think the most important thing is working together as a team and improving as a team."

When asked what Capello had said to the players prior to kick off, Rooney responded: "To make sure we're organised and stick together, to work hard and try to win the game and I think we did that. You see the work ethic from the players and I think we all worked very hard and deserved the win.

"We worked a lot on defending through the week and also on our attacking movement. We didn't have enough time to go over everything, but we've got a long time before the World Cup qualifiers and between now and then we can get a lot more training sessions and better understand how the manager wants us to play.

"We've got time and hopefully that can help us work towards qualifying for the World Cup."

Rooney was quick to express just how excited he is by the new start for England: "I'm very excited," he told TheFA.com. "Especially after seeing the set-up since he took over. You can see that he's very passionate about football and very passionate about winning, and I think we need that.

"Hopefully he can lift everybody after the disappointment at not qualifying for the Euros."

The Manchester United striker was also pleased for Jermaine Jenas who marked his return to the team with his first goal for England.

"I spoke to him after the game and he's delighted to score. He had a good game and he's playing really well for his club at the minute, and I'm delighted for him that he got his goal tonight."

To watch the full interview click the links above, and stay logged on for exclusive reaction from Matthew Upson

England
1 David James, 2 Wes Brown, 3 Ashley Cole (16 Wayne Bridge, 74 mins), 4 Gareth Barry (18 Owen Hargreaves, 74 mins), 5 Rio Ferdinand, 6 Matthew Upson, 7 David Bentley, 8 Jermaine Jenas (17 Shaun Wright-Phillips, 57 mins), 9 Wayne Rooney (19 Ashley Young, 87 mins), 10 Steven Gerrard (c), 11 Joe Cole (21 Peter Crouch, 57 mins).

Substitutes 12 Scott Carson, 13 Micah Richards, 14 Joleon Lescott, 15 Jonathan Woodgate, 20 Michael Owen, 22 Jermain Defoe, 23 Chris Kirkland.

Switzerland
12 Diego Benaglio, 4 Philippe Senderos (13 Stephane Grichting, 55 mins), 10 Daniel Gygax (38 Eren Derdiyok, 46 mins), 16 Tranquillo Barnetta, 17 Christoph Spycher, 22 Hakan Yakin (5 Xavier Margairaz, 64 mins), 27 Gokhan Inler, 29 Stephan Lichsteiner (19 Valon Behrami, 46 mins), 31 Blaise Nkufo (28 Johann Vonlanthen, 46 mins), 33 Gelson Fernandes (24 Benjamin Huggel, 84 mins), 34 Mario Eggimann.

Substitutes 1 Pascal Zuberbuhler, 21 Fabio Coltorti, 30 Reto Ziegler.    
  
Kit Colours
England Red shirts, white shorts, red socks
Switzerland White shirts, red shorts, red socks

Match Officials

Referee Felix Bryche (Germany)

Assistant Referees Jan-Hendrik Salver and Kai Voss (Both Germany)

Fourth Official Martin Atkinson (England)

Attendance: 86,857