Switzerland finally got their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying up

Switzerland finally got their UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying up and running with a convincing victory against Wales, whose third consecutive Group G defeat leaves them bottom of the section without a point.

Marco Streller's 21st-minute strike sent the hosts in at the break in front after Gareth Bale's equaliser had cancelled out an early opener from Valentin Stocker. Gökhan Inler's 82nd-minute spot kick and a late second from Stocker means Ottmar Hitzfeld's team can now begin their pursuit of England and Montenegro in earnest, while Wales will seek to get off the mark when they resume their campaign in March.

Eight minutes had elapsed when Hitzfeld was up celebrating his side's opener. Stocker was the scorer, nodding in after Streller unselfishly headed across the rebound from Tranquillo Barnetta's initial strike. The Nati coach was soon back in the dugout, however, as Bale raced on to Andrew Crofts' through ball and finished confidently past Marco Wölfli, who had replaced the injured Diego Benaglio early on.

With Wales buoyant Wölfli made an impressive save from James Collins' header soon afterwards, a stop which proved to be crucial as Switzerland restored their lead on 21 minutes. Inler chipped to the lurking Streller, who sliced his volley into the corner. The FC Basel 1893 striker could have had his second before the break but for a challenge from Wales captain Ashley Williams.

Wales produced the opening chance of the second period when Darcy Blake's delivery was headed narrowly over by Andy King, but Blake almost cost his team a goal soon afterwards when he failed to react to Alex Frei's cross. Stocker did, but his powerful header was beaten away by Wayne Hennessey.

The visitors' determination was never in question in what was an open encounter throughout. Bale persistently foraged for an opening on the left and nearly forced in an equaliser on the back of a slaloming run as the game entered the closing stages. However, Inler's penalty following Christian Ribeiro's foul on Barnetta and Stocker's simple fourth ensured Brian Flynn's final game as caretaker boss ended in another disappointment.

Albert Bunjaku has been ruled out for six months

Albert Bunjaku's hopes of featuring in Switzerland's next two UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers have been dashed after the 1. FC Nürnberg striker was ruled out for six months.

The 26-year-old, part of Switzerland's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad, had been complaining of pain in his right knee and although it was initially diagnosed as a torn meniscus, cartilage damage was discovered during surgery in Augsburg on Wednesday. The operation was successful.

"This diagnosis is very sad for Albert and 1. FC Nürnberg," said sporting director Martin Bader. "We wish him all the best and will support him during rehab to the best of our capabilities."

Bunjaku, who scored 12 goals last season to keep his club in the Bundesliga, will be unavailable for Switzerland's Group G qualifiers in Montenegro on 8 October and at home to Wales four days later, as well as friendlies against Ukraine in Geneva on 17 November and in Malta on 9 February. He will aim to return when Switzerland resume their campaign in Bulgaria on 26 March.

England captain Steven Gerrard was effusive in his praise after England maintained their lead at the top of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G

England captain Steven Gerrard was effusive in his praise after England maintained their lead at the top of UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group G with a 3-1 win against Switzerland in Basel.

Wayne Rooney's first goal for his country in almost a year set the tone for Fabio Capello's side, who rarely looked like relinquishing their lead before further goals from substitutes Adam Johnson and Darren Bent, either side of a brilliant reply from Swiss substitute Xherdan Shaqiri, ensured England opened up an early six-point lead over the team many consider to be their biggest rivals for automatic qualification.

"I think in the first half it was a perfect performance, exactly what the manager asked for," said Gerrard. "In the second half we dropped the tempo slightly and when we were 2-0 up the game should have been over. We let them back in but fortunately we got the third and killed the game."

The Liverpool FC midfielder conceded that the spirit in the camp had suffered as a result of England's disappointing FIFA World Cup campaign but believes the team have gone at least some way to repaying their fans with a solid start to UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying. "I think all the players who were over in South Africa realised it wasn't good enough, so we knew we had to regroup, stick together and try and raise our performance levels. I think over the last two games we've certainly done that."

Switzerland shocked eventual world champions Spain with a defensive, counterattacking display in their World Cup opener, and as such many predicted a frustrating night for England. "They've got a good record, especially at home," Gerrard continued. "Many people were talking about them being hard to score against and hard to beat, but I thought we tore them apart at times."

Gerrard paid particular tribute to team-mate Rooney. "We showed a great togetherness and the early goal for Wayne did him a world of good." The Manchester United FC forward has made a major impact in both his country's qualifiers to date – he created three of England's four goals in Friday's defeat of Bulgaria – and appears to be developing a good understanding with Jermaine Defoe. "Over the two games he's been fantastic for us," said Gerrard.

The defeat leaves Switzerland, reduced to ten men when Stephan Lichtsteiner was dismissed on 65 minutes, playing catch-up in the section – particularly as Montenegro also have maximum points from two outings. Nonetheless, Lichtsteiner believed his red card had little bearing on the final outcome, saying: "I don't think my sending off had anything to do with the defeat. England are just a top-class team. But I have faith in the team. We have a strong squad and can still qualify."