Football
2018 International Friendly, International Friendly
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Reuters 6y

Marcus Rashford on target as England get better of Switzerland

Striker Marcus Rashford scored a second-half winner as a young and much-changed England avoided an unprecedented fourth-successive defeat by beating Switzerland 1-0 in a friendly international on Tuesday.

The Manchester United forward clinically side-footed the ball home at the back post in the 54th minute at Leicester City's King Power Stadium after an over-hit corner was swung back in by Kyle Walker.

It was Rashford's fifth goal for England in 27 matches.

The World Cup semifinalists, who made nine changes to the side beaten 2-1 by Spain in the Nations League at Wembley on Saturday, had provided few thrills in a first half controlled by the more flowing Swiss.

The hosts looked much sharper after the break, however, with manager Gareth Southgate making a raft of substitutions, including bringing on striker Harry Kane in the 61st minute despite having indicated that he would be rested.

Leicester City's Ben Chilwell also came off the bench, making his England debut at his Premier League club's home ground to loud applause.

Switzerland had their chances in the first half, with Xherdan Shaqiri hitting the outside of the post from inside the box after seven minutes.

While England goalkeeper Jack Butland made some important saves, Southgate's side too often looked vulnerable in defence in the opening 45 minutes.

Television footage of the players walking out onto the pitch was broadcast in black and white for 25 seconds to mark the 25th anniversary of the anti-racism campaign Kick It Out.

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