Joleon Lescott handed shock England start against Switzerland

Joleon Lescott was handed a shock starting berth for England in their Euro 2012 qualifier with Switzerland in Basle tonight.

With Michael Dawson ruled out with the knee injury he sustained against Bulgaria on Friday that is set to keep him out for eight weeks, it had been expected Gary Cahill, who came on as a substitute at Wembley, would be introduced.

Instead, Capello went for Lescott's additional experience.

It was the Manchester City man's 10th cap, his first start since the November friendly defeat to Brazil in Qatar and his first competitive appearance since the World Cup victory over Andorra in June 2009.

Lescott's presence meant City had four men in Fabio Capello's starting line-up but while it was a big night for him, all eyes were on Wayne Rooney.

The Manchester United striker provided three assists and played a major role in England's other goal at Wembley.

Since then though, he has been rocked by allegations about his sex with hookers which at one stage was suggested would force him to return home to the north west.

However, Rooney assured Capello he was fully focused and willing to play at St Jakob-Park.

Once that decision was taken, it was always highly unlikely Capello would make any further changes, with Jermain Defoe leading the line after his hat-trick at Wembley.