England v Switzerland: Joleon Lescott says England are not being complacent ahead of euro 2012 qualifier
England defender Joleon Lescott has vowed not to take Switzerland lightly when the teams go head to head in Saturday's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier.
Not taking things lightly: Joleon Lescott says England are not expecting an easy game at Wembley this Saturday Photo: GETTY IMAGES
By Telegraph staff and agencies
2:21PM BST 01 Jun 2011
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Having already beaten Ottmar Hitzfeld's side in Basle this season, it would be a major surprise if the Three Lions failed to add another three points to their Group G tally at Wembley in the bid to reach Euro 2012.
Switzerland have been further handicapped by the loss of two key strikers to retirement and another, Hakan Yakin, has been left out altogether.
Little wonder Fabio Capello's team are overwhelming favourites to consolidate top spot.
However, Lescott insists nothing will be taken for granted.
"Complacency is not going to be an issue," said the Manchester City defender. "None of the boys think we just have to step out there to win the game. Switzerland are a strong team, so this is a potential banana skin for us.
"We have to implement what the manager wants us to do."
With Wayne Rooney suspended and Jermain Defoe ruled out by a wrist problem, Capello has an acute lack of striking options available.
Darren Bent is the obvious choice to start up front.
After missing out on a place at the World Cup, Bent has enjoy a fine year with England, scoring in his last three games.
Capello has noted a step up in standard since his mid-season move to Aston Villa, and Lescott is confident the striker can handle the pressure of being England's main man.
"Darren Bent is not a replacement for Wayne and Jermain, because he was playing anyway," said Lescott.
"He is a great goalscorer and has proved that in the Premier League, which I believe to be the toughest in the world.
"Darren is certainly amongst the best finishers. He scores goals from all ranges.
"I am sure Switzerland will be fearful of him."
Such is the competition for places in central defence that Lescott can regard it as a mini-triumph just being named in the squad.
To do that he has had to leap above Michael Dawson, who started the win over Wales in March.
Lescott has completed two of England's four qualifying games, including that first meeting with Switzerland, and won his 13th cap as a half-time substitute against Ghana in March.
However, with Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand available again, he accepts it is going to be tough to force his way in this time around.
"It will be hard," he said. "You are talking about two of the best players in the world.
"If it was easy to get in the team, we wouldn't be the force we are at international level.
"But I just want to apply myself well and stay in the Manchester City team next season.
"Playing in the Champions League can only bode well for me when I am called upon."
Given the frantic end to City's domestic campaign, Lescott could be forgiven for exhibiting a few signs of exhaustion.
He is showing none. In fact he is enthused at the knowledge lofty pre-season expectations at Eastlands have been met, with the additional bonus of an end to the club's 35-year trophy drought.
"I am not tired," he said.
"I am looking forward to a break but overall, it has been an exciting time.
"We won the FA Cup and cemented a Champions League position, which from a personal perspective, has given me massive confidence.
"The season did start off a bit slow but I started to play more regularly towards the second-half and we managed to achieve our goals."
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