The sides face each other in their opening qualifier on Monday and are regarded as the two strongest teams in Group E, which also includes Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino.
"It is important to try to win," said 28-year-old striker Rooney.
"But I think not to get beat and give Switzerland the upper hand from the first game is vital."
England, who are 11 places lower than ninth-placed Switzerland in the world rankings, will be without striker Daniel Sturridge for the game because he has a thigh problem.
Goalkeeper Ben Foster and uncapped midfielder Jack Colback have also been forced to withdraw from manager Roy Hodgson's squad with injuries.
Swiss watch
Switzerland reached the last 16 of this summer's World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Swiss last played at the European Championships in 2008 - when they qualified as co-hosts.
They were denied a place in the quarter-finals by Manchester United's £60m midfielder Angel Di Maria's extra-time winner for Argentina.
England boss Roy Hodgson managed Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup.
England go into the game at St Jakob-Park in Basel on the back of a 1-0 friendly win against Norway at Wembley, with Rooney getting the winner from the penalty spot.
However, after their early exit from the World Cup without winning a game, the match attracted the lowest crowd for an international at home since the national stadium re-opened in 2007.
But Rooney said: "It's exciting times. The lads who were at that tournament have gained vital experience."
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have retired from international football since the World Cup, fellow veteran Ashley Cole having done so after being left out of the squad for Brazil 2014.
"Frank, Steven and Ashley Cole have been massive players for us," said Rooney.
"Now the younger lads have to step up, it is as simple as that.
"We all understand there are big expectations playing for England. That starts on Monday."
by ROTMANLUV 2023-07-08, 17:34
