Switzerland v England: Preview

England find themselves in the unusual position of underdogs against Switzerland, whose head coach Vladimir Petkovic is in confident mood ahead of Monday's European Championship qualifier.

The Swiss national team have enjoyed an impressive resurgence in recent years, highlighted by their narrow exit at the last-16 juncture of this summer's World Cup to eventual finalists Argentina.

Such success sees them sit ninth in FIFA's world rankings, whereas Monday's opponents England are now 20th, their lowest ranking in 18 years.

That, as well as Switzerland's home advantage, means they approach the St Jakob-Park clash as favourite for Petkovic's first game as coach.

``It is a bit of a shift in roles,'' Ottmar Hitzfeld's successor said. ``I like to be the favourite in a game, but the proof is on the pitch, on the field.

``There is still a lot of respect from the Swiss side towards the English. No fear but a lot of respect.

``During the past 10 years, the Swiss FA have been doing very well, have very much helped improve the team.

``It has been a real good, quality improvement and now we can say that we are level with the English team.''

As is often the way, a lot of England's hopes rest on Wayne Rooney - their 41-goal striker whose penalty saw off Norway on Wednesday.

But Rooney does not care what anyone is saying about him - all the England captain is concerned about is leading his country to success.

The forward has been the subject of scrutiny ever since breaking onto the international scene as a fresh-faced teenager 11 years ago.

The intensity of that focus has recently gone up a notch following the retirements of the so-called 'Golden Generation' and his new role as Three Lions captain.

Rooney's 96 caps make him far and away the most experienced player at Roy Hodgson's disposal, but one whose position in the side is constantly spoken about.

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle got in on the act ahead of Monday's opener, saying they need the Rooney of old.

Such comments compound constant talk about where the Manchester United player is best deployed - not that the 28-year-old himself gives a hoot.

''That is not something I don't expect,'' he said of the constant spotlight.

''Obviously I feel like I am quite an adaptable player. I can play in a number of positions.

''Wherever Roy wants me to play, I am happy to play. It is as simple as that.

''I am not interested in what anyone else thinks. I am here to play for England. Roy's the manager, he picks the team.

''I'll play to the instructions the manager wants me to do.''

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© PA Sport