England's under-performing team faces a tough challenge against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening, aiming to reach the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
The match at the Merkur Spiel-Arena follows a nerve-wracking encounter for England, who narrowly escaped defeat against Slovakia. In contrast, Switzerland secured a well-deserved victory over reigning champions Italy.
Despite a lackluster draw with Slovenia in their final Group C match, which frustrated some fans, others remain hopeful that the knockout stage will ignite a stronger performance from England.
In their last-16 clash, England struggled against Slovakia, who took the lead through Ivan Schranz's third goal of the tournament and held off England's attacks for over 90 minutes. However, Jude Bellingham's brilliant bicycle kick equalized the score, and Harry Kane secured the win just 52 seconds into extra time. Despite the victory, England's performances at Euro 2024 have been far from convincing, with their only win in regular time coming against Serbia in the opening match.
Gareth Southgate has led England to four consecutive major tournament quarter-finals, achieving seven knockout match victories in the World Cup and European Championships. This record surpasses all other England men's managers combined since 1966. However, these statistics mean little if England fails to win the tournament. On a personal note, Southgate will mark his 100th game in charge of England, a milestone previously reached only by Sir Walter Winterbottom and Sir Alf Ramsay.
Switzerland, meanwhile, is riding high after their victory over Italy. Ruben Vargas scored early in the second half, securing Switzerland's place in the quarter-finals and ensuring a new European champion will be crowned.
Yakin's team, considered dark horses, have performed impressively, drawing with Germany and defeating Hungary. They now have an eight-game unbeaten streak and have lost just once in 18 matches since the 2022 World Cup.
Despite England's recent dominance over Switzerland, winning their last five encounters and remaining unbeaten in 13 matches, Switzerland is determined to break their quarter-final curse. If they succeed, it will be a historic achievement for the Rossocrociati, who have never advanced past this stage in a major tournament.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
England’s victory over Slovakia in the last-16 came with a downside for center-back Marc Guehi. He injured his shoulder trying to stop Schranz from scoring and picked up a yellow card that rules him out of the quarter-final.With Guehi unavailable and England's 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 formation lacking attacking spark, Southgate is considering switching to a three-man defense. Ezri Konsa is expected to replace the suspended Guehi. Although Luke Shaw has returned to full training, he hasn’t played in almost five months, so Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka might serve as wing-backs.
There were concerns that Jude Bellingham might be suspended after a controversial celebration against Slovakia, but he received only a suspended ban and is available to play.
The match will also feature a showdown between current and former Arsenal midfielders, Declan Rice and Granit Xhaka. Xhaka is expected to be fit despite a recent adductor injury scare, as scans showed no serious damage.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin has a full squad to choose from. Silvan Widmer returns from suspension after Dan Ndoye’s impressive performance against Italy. Yakin might move Ndoye to the front three, replacing Fabian Rieder, and reinstate Widmer as the right wing-back, setting up an intriguing clash with Saka.
Yakin’s only minor concern is attacker Noah Okafor, who is experiencing some discomfort but wasn’t slated to start anyway.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
England possible starting lineup:Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Stones; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Saka; Kane, Toney
Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Schar, Rodriguez, Akanji; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
England 1-1 Switzerland (Switzerland to win in extra time)
On the other hand, Switzerland fully deserves their spot in the last eight and has the defensive skills to prevent another miraculous moment from Jude Bellingham saving England. After much consideration, we predict that Yakin’s well-organized team will end England’s hopes and possibly bring Southgate’s tenure with the Three Lions to a close.
