Jude Bellingham produced an iconic England moment to spare the Three Lions blushes and keep Gareth Southgate in a job for at least one more week.
Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 by extending their unbeaten run in Germany with an emphatic 2-0 win over holders Italy.
The two will clash in Dusseldorf on Saturday afternoon and despite bookmakers making England the favourites, Murat Yakin’s side looks like a formidable opponent.
In particular, they look like a good tactical match for Southgate’s side, who will be hopeful that the momentum of quick-fire goals on either side of full-time will prove a turning point.
One of their biggest issues at the tournament has been breaking down deep, narrow, resolute defences, which they’ll encounter again this weekend.
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The Swiss may be more expansive and forward-thinking than previous opponents, but their 3-4-3 system will challenge England to improve their play in wide areas.
The decision to leave Tyrick Mitchell at home, and Joe Gomez on the bench, looks increasingly questionable after Bukayo Saka was deployed as a left-back against Slovakia.
The lack of creativity from the wings has been impacted by Foden’s tendency to cut inside and a lack of overlaps on either side, but it could be key to beating Switzerland.
Overall, Yakin’s side have looked solid at the back. However, turnovers high up the field are one way to expose their system, as Scotland demonstrated in a 1-1 draw.
Likewise, Hungary’s best chances came from quality crosses finding the gaps in a narrow Swiss backline, which is something Harry Kane could exploit.
If England fails to make the pitch bigger then we might see another 90 minutes of frustration through mechanical position and some hairy moments without Marc Geuhi’s presence.
If Southgate makes the necessary adjustments, like potentially deploying Luke Shaw, his side could exploit Yakin’s tactics.
Team news
Ezri Konsa is a candidate to replace the suspended Marc Guehi unless Southgate opts to move Kyle Walker and start Trent Alexander-Arnold.
That may be the only change unless Luke Shaw is deemed to be fitter than Kieran Tripper, who suffered a knock against Slovakia.
Switzerland have no injuries or suspensions.
Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas and Dan Ndoye are expected to start in the attack with Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka continuing in midfield.
Key stats
– England and Switzerland are unbeaten in four matches at Euro 2024
– England have lost one of 21 European Championship fixtures inside 90 minutes
– There have been under 2.5 goals in England’s last five matches
– Switzerland have lost one of 14 European Championship fixtures inside 90 minutes
– There have been under 2.5 goals in eight of Switzerland’s last 10 matches