18 June 2004	Friday	29 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

COIMBRA, June 17: Wayne Rooney helped himself to two goals and a place in history as England got their Euro 2004 campaign back on track with an impressive 3-0 win over 10-man Switzerland here on Monday.

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 quarterfinals.

Such a convincing win, had not looked on the cards as Switzerland asked the more serious questions in the opening exchanges. Twice in the first quarter of an hour the left boot of Hakan Yakin sent dangerous inswinging free-kicks into the six-yard box, forcing Sol Campbell to head clear over his own bar.

With both John Terry and Frank Lampard fortunate to escape bookings for fouls on Stephane Chapuisat and Alexander Frei respectively, it was not just the 30-degree temperature that was making England feel the heat.

It was not until the 18th minute, when Lampard caught Hakan Yakin lingering on the ball dangerously close to his own area, that England got their first glimmer of a chance. -AFP