Rooney will play against the Swiss says Capello

Fabio Capello says he intends to play Wayne Rooney in tonight's crucial Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland in Basle, and that's music to the ears of England's opponents. Like the rest of the footballing world, Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has read the allegations concerning Rooney's private life and yesterday he told reporters: "I'm no psychologist but, of course, such a thing like that will weigh on a player."

But Capello brushed off suggestions that Rooney would be affected by the furore that broke on Sunday when two tabloids revealed he romped with a prostitute last year while his wife was pregnant. "Yes he will play," replied the Italian when asked if Rooney would be in the starting line-up for tonight's match, " During training he was really good and I spoke with him and he's happy to play. I know the players when they want to play - that is really important."

Pressed on whether it was right that a player at the centre of such sordid allegations should represent his country, Capello snapped: "We are focused on the game, not about the private life of the players. We are here to play this game and train very well."

Not surprisingly Rooney had the backing of his teammates – one or two of whom have themselves been subjected to the moral fury of the British press in the past. "Yeah he's got an issue off the pitch put I don't think that will stop him from playing well," said captain Steven Gerrard. "I spoke with him today [Monday] at lunchtime and in training and Wayne's been fine. He's looking forward to the game and playing well."

Rooney was in sparkling form on Friday when England beat Bulgaria 4-0 at Wembley and Gerrard said he expects more of the same from the 24-year-old striker. "Once the game starts Wayne will be focused on the field and getting the three points," he said, adding: "Wayne's a big character. You expect big performances from Wayne every time he steps on the pitch. You saw that against Bulgaria. I expect another big performance from Wayne."

As for the match itself, Capello mist select another centre-back to replace the injured Michael Dawson, with Matthew Upson or Gary Cahill likely to get the nod to partner Phil Jagielka at the heart of the England defence . Otherwise it will be the same XI that impressed against Bulgaria but Capello knows playing Switzerland away is a different proposition. "Switzerland are the strongest team in the group [and] this group is very balanced so we need to win every game."

Despite Switzerland  beating eventual champions Spain 1-0 in the opening match of the World Cup in June, Hitzfeld's side failed to progress to the knockout phase after losing to Chile and drawing with Honduras. But the Swiss coach will use memories of that Spain victory to motivate his men against England. "We always go into a game to win. We have to find the right mix between the Spain game, when we defended very well, and switching swiftly into offense... playing against large nations is a dream for me, a challenge, a chance to measure yourselves. You must always have dreams in life. Spain was a unique game for us but with luck and maybe the first goal we can beat England." ·