- Switzerland are looking to gain every possible advantage before the game
- The two countries will face off against each other with a semi-final spot at stake
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: How Gareth Southgate compares to Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann
Switzerland have been spotted using a secret weapon in training as they gear up for their Euro 2024 quarter-final showdown against England.
The Three Lions will lock horns with Murat Yakin’s side tomorrow evening with a spot in the last four on the line but will look to improve after a string of poor displays.
Having beaten Hungary and drawn with Scotland and Germany in Group A, Switzerland then earned a shock 2-0 victory against holders Italy in the last-16.
They are expected to pose a stern test for Gareth Southgate‘s trophy hopefuls and, judging by recent photos, are looking to gain every possible advantage.
Curious snaps of goalkeepers Yann Sommer and Gregor Kobel being put through their paces during their latest training session on Friday have been released.
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer wore a special pair of glasses during a training session
The specs, also sported by Gregor Kobel (right), create a slow-motion effect for shots
No 1 Sommer, fresh from winning the Serie A title with Inter Milan last season, sported a sleek pair of futuristic sunglasses for a series of fast-paced drills.
Initially, the 35-year-old looked to be trying to protect his eyes from the glint of the sun but it later transpired he had worn the glasses for a specific reason.
The specs are a Japanese battery-powered design and create a slow-motion effect when balls are struck, testing a goalkeeper’s reflexes.
Indeed, the darker lenses are deployed to help stoppers develop their anticipation.
The glasses, produced by Japanese firm VisionUp, cost upwards of £350.
The darker lenses are deployed to help stoppers develop their reflexes and anticipation
The sleek glasses are produced by Japanese company VisionUp and cost upwards of £350
Kobel, Sommer’s understudy, also sported a pair as he dived across the turf and made several stops in full view of the nearby camera lenses.
Switzerland also used the glasses throughout their Euro 2020 campaign.
The model has been used by athletes in various sports including tennis and baseball.
Southgate, meanwhile, is expected to make several changes to his side in the wake of their stuttering extra-time victory against Slovakia last weekend.
Ezri Konsa and Trent Alexander-Arnold are set to be recalled in a five-at-the-back formation that could see Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden play behind Harry Kane.
Kyle Walker could retain his place in the backline with his searing pace viewed as the perfect foil for the speed Switzerland threaten to use in behind.