Tuesday 9 September 2014 09:23, UK
Captain Wayne Rooney was delighted to see England make a winning start to their European qualifying campaign, beating Switzerland 2-0 in Basel on Monday.
Danny Welbeck scored both goals in the second half as Roy Hodgson's side collected a morale-boosting victory following the disappointment of their earlier exit from the World Cup in Brazil this summer.
It was a good team performance, we worked hard for each other and we defended really well. We're delighted with the three points and the performance tonight.
Rooney was the catalyst in an excellent counter-attacking move which ended in Raheem Sterling sliding a precision ball towards the back post, where the on-rushing Welbeck made no mistake as he fired beyond Yann Sommer to break the deadlock on 59 minutes.
Another free-flowing counter attack, this time started by Sterling, led to England's second in stoppage time. Liverpool striker Rickie Lambert held play up well before releasing Welbeck, who displayed excellent composure before slotting beyond a helpless Sommer in the Switzerland goal.
"I thought it was a really good performance, delighted we got the three points," the England captain told Sky Sports.
"It was a good team performance, we worked hard for each other and we defended really well. We're delighted with the three points and the performance tonight."
Rooney was quick to praise his now former Manchester United strike-partner, who vindicated Arsenal's decision to shell out £16 million to sign the 23-year-old on transfer deadline day with a stellar display at the spearhead of England's attacking triumvirate.
"He took his chances really well," Rooney added.
"He got a little bit lucky with the first but it was a well-worked team goal and his work effort is excellent."
Welbeck, who is yet to make his Arsenal debut due to the interntaional break, echoed the sentiments of his captain and claimed England's training has paid off after they received criticism following a 1-0 win over Norway at Wembley last Wednesday.
"It was a really good team performance," Welbeck said.
"Some of stuff we've worked on throughout the week from the previous game has shown off today and it's really pleasing for the team.
"We're really excited to get off to a nice start."
England did not go without scares of their own, the most dangerous of which saw Josip Drmic round goalkeeper Joe Hart, only to be denied by an excellent sliding block from Gary Cahill.
"It's obviously really important not to forget the defensive play also," Welbeck insisted. "I think throughout the team defended really well, as a team working across the pitch and tracking back and obviously the defenders have got to keep very alert.
"Credit to Gary for sticking with the play and saving it from the line."
