England v Switzerland - MATCH REPORT

Rooney gets England back on track

Wayne Rooney helped himself to two goals and a place in history as England got their Euro campaign back on track with an impressive 3-0 win over 10-man Switzerland on Thursday.

England's forward Wayne Rooney (L) reacts after his goal in front of Switzerland's midfielder Christoph Spycher, 17 June 2004 at Coimbra's stadium, during their Euro 2004 group B football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Paul BARKER

Switzerland's goalkeeper and captain Jorg Stiel (C) missed the goal of England's forward Wayne Rooney next to England's midfielder Paul Scholes, 17 June 2004 at Coimbra stadium, during their Euro 2004 group B football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Mladen ANTONOV

Rooney's 23rd and 75th minute strikes made the 18-year-old the youngest ever player to score in the finals of a European Championships.

They were also the perfect tonic for Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad after the agony of the last gasp defeat by France in their group B opener.

Two of England's goals came after Swiss defender Bernt Haas was sent-off for a second bookable offence in the 60th minute.

Steven Gerrard completed the morale-boosting win eight minutes from the end to leave Switzerland facing the daunting task of beating France in their remaining group match if they are to have any chance of advancing to the quarter-finals.

Gerrard's good work for the first goal and a neat touch from Gary Neville created the opening for David Beckham to fire a pinpoint cross to Michael Owen beyond the back post.

The Liverpool man then drew two Swiss defenders out of position before chipping the ball to Rooney, who was left with the simplest of headed finishes from close range.

England's midfielder Steven Gerrard (R) jubilates after his goal next to Switzerland's midfielder Christoph Spycher, 17 June 2004 at Coimbra's stadium, during their Euro 2004 group B football match at the European Nations championship in Portugal. England won 3-0. AFP PHOTO Aris MESSINIS

Any doubt about the outcome disappeared 15 minutes from the end after Owen Hargreaves hoisted a clearance from the edge of his own area deep into Swiss territory.

Substitute Darius Vassell was first to the bouncing ball, which he held up long enough for Rooney to arrive and crash a fierce low drive into the net courtesy of a double ricochet off the post and the back of Stiel.

With eight minutes left Gary Neville ran on to Beckham's astute pass and sent in a low cross. Gerrard did the rest by squeezing a side-footed shot between Stiel and the post from an acute angle.