After the disappointment of the opening game, Team England’s quest for Euro 2004 glory is alive and well after a comprehensive 3-0 defeat of Switzerland in Coimbra yesterday. England now sit in second place in Group B and know that a draw will be enough to take them through to the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

The match kicked off at 5pm and in the searing heat England initially struggled to find their rhythm. If anything, Switzerland had the better of the early exchanges, looking dangerous from several set-pieces. English nerves were settled though with a fine goal on the counter-attack. A deep Beckham cross picked out Owen and his precise lob was met by Wayne Rooney, setting another record as the youngest goal scorer in European championship history at the age of 18 years, 7 months and 24 days.

The balance swung decisively in England’s favour on the hour mark. West Brom defender Bernt Haas received his marching orders for a foul on Ashley Cole and, against 10 men, England pushed home their advantage. Rooney again, with a right-foot drive, made the game safe and Steven Gerrard put the icing on the cake with a close-range finish.

All eyes turn now to the final Group B game versus Croatia on Monday. Having secured a vital win against the Swiss, Team England will return to the Stadium of Light for the Group decider, in far better heart than they left it last Sunday. - 18 June