Stand-in skipper Steven Gerrard has warned England face a difficult task of beating Switzerland in Basle on Tuesday (England 4/5, Switzerland 11/4 to win) as they look to kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaing with back-to-back victories.

A 4-0 success over Bulgaria at Wembley on Friday put a smile back on the faces of England fans following the poor World Cup in South Africa and Fabio Capello’s side will hope to build on that with another win over the Swiss.

However, Liverpool star Gerrard has said Tuesday’s opponents, who famously beat Spain in the World Cup group stages, will provide a stiff test (England to win 3-0 – 12/1).

“Internationals away from home are always going to be difficult,” Gerrard said. “I think Switzerland showed at the World Cup what a good side they are by beating Spain, so we have to perform at the same level as [against Bulgaria], and we want that result.”

Gerrard also paid tribute to Jermain Defoe after his hat-trick did the damage against Bulgaria and the midfielder is hoping the Spurs forward will again be sharp against Switzerland.

“He took his goals superbly,” Gerrard added. “You know if you create chances with the likes of Rooney and Defoe they are going to put it in the back of the net, and I thought he was lethal.

“Hopefully the same can happen on Tuesday.”