We expected England comeback, says Djourou

Switzerland’s Johan Djourou was satisfied with a point against England despite giving up a 2-0 lead at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors led in the Euro 2012 qualifier courtesy of two free kicks from Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta.

A Frank Lampard penalty and Ashley Young’s equaliser meant the match ended in a 2-2 draw, preventing Switzerland from recording what would have been an impressive victory in London.

Nevertheless, Arsenal defender Djouro believes his international teammates can be proud of their efforts.

“We could have kept in front but I think to come to Wembley and play the way we did is a good result,” Djourou said.

“Unfortunately we drew 2-2, but at the end of the day I think it’s a good point to take.”

“I think we came very sharp in the game, with very good intentions and a lot of technical ability. I think England maybe weren’t prepared for that.”

It took just six minutes of the second half for Aston Villa forward Young to equalise, with Djourou claiming Switzerland were never likely to contain the hosts after the break.

“You know that whenever you come to Wembley, they’ve got a lot of character and players on the bench who can make a difference as well,” Djourou said.

“So we knew what to expect and didn’t think that the game was over, we knew it was a different game starting.”

With Montenegro also drawing away to Bulgaria, Switzerland remain six points back from the join-leaders in Group G.

But despite the challenge they face, Djourou insists they will keep fighting to qualify for next year’s tournament in Poland and the Ukraine.

“We’re never going to give up,” he said.

“We’re still in it. We have to wait for the Montenegro game. We have Bulgaria to play at home, Montenegro to play at home so it’s still wide open.”

Former West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami, now with Serie A club Fiorentina, said Switzerland did not expect to find themselves two goals ahead in England’s backyard.

“When you are in Wembley leading 2-0 it’s always a surprise, but we produced good football with good space,” Behrami said.

“We worked together and I think when we went 2-0 up we deserved that. But the world-class players of England came up and made it 2-2.”