England face Switzerland in UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals on Saturday in Dusseldorf. The Three Lions scored two late goals to progress past Slovakia whilst Switzerland outclassed Italy in the round of 16. England are 12 matches unbeaten vs the Swiss.
England Form
England came into this tournament after topping their qualifying group. A 1-0 loss to Iceland in a pre-Euros friendly was a warning sign. Their performances in the tournament have been largely poor. A 1-0 win over Serbia was followed by a 1-1 draw vs Denmark as they allowed 18 shots.
A 0-0 draw with Slovenia in their final group match saw just 0.80 xG produced despite having 70% possession. In the round of 16, Gareth Southgate’s team were outplayed by Slovakia but equalised in the 95th minute and then scored the winner in extra time to progress to the last eight.
England Team News
Gareth Southgate is without the suspended Marc Guehi is defence. Ezri Konsa is expected to come into the starting XI. Kobbie Mainoo excelled against Slovakia and will keep his place in midfield.
Further forward, Cole Palmer continues to push for a start with Bukayo Saka most at risk. Ivan Toney made a good impact from the bench in the last game but is set to remain among the substitutes.
England Motivation
The motivation and effort from the players is visible. However, Southgate is a conservative coach and won’t play an expansive game.
The Three Lions lack cohesion and may again need to turn to their strong bench. Target man Ivan Toney could be a key figure in the second half.
Switzerland Form
Since a 6-1 humiliation vs Portugal at the World Cup in 2022, Switzerland have lost just once in 16 matches. After going winless in five matches (with four draws), they came into the Euros with two friendly victories and a 1-1 draw vs Austria. They began Euro 2024 with a convincing 3-1-win vs Hungary as they outshot their opponents 15-6.
A surprise 1-1 draw vs Scotland followed before a leaking in the 92nd minute vs Germany in their final group A match to finish in second spot. The Swiss were outstanding in the round of 16, beating Italy 2-0. They outshot the Azzurri 10-1 in the first half and made it 2-0 in the 46th minute.
Switzerland Team News
Coach Murat Yakin has a very settled core to his side in a 3-4-3 formation. The back three, central midfield two and number nine won’t change in this match. The big selection question is at right wingback.
Silvan Widmer played vs Germany down the right with Dan Ndoye in the front three. Against Italy, Ndoye moved to the right wingback role with speedy Ruben Vargas starting in the front three. Xherdan Shaqiri will be among the subs once again.
Switzerland Motivation
The Swiss play out from the back and have real sped in the front three once opponents are drawn out.
They are also capable of sitting deep and keeping things compact without the ball. That was shown vs Germany.
Key Stats
England have seen Under 1.5 goals in 3 of their last 5 matches
England are 5th in the FIFA Rankings whilst Switzerland are ranked 19th
Switzerland have lost just 1 of their last 16 matches (9 draws in the last 15)
Switzerland are winless in 12 matches vs England
Verdict
Another very tight affair awaits. It’s hard to see past extra time being needed in this match.
Best Bet: England to qualify at 1.58
Value Bet: Draw (90 mins) at 2.95
Correct Score Tip: England 1-1 Switzerland at 5.50
