SWITZERLAND have been spotted using a bizarre secret weapon in training as they prepare to face England.
The continental giants meet tomorrow in a Euros quarter-final clash for the ages.
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England have been below-par for much of the tournament.
While the Swiss are proving they are not to be trifled with after beating Italy 2-0 last weekend.
And should they turn up again tomorrow, the nation famous for its mountains and chocolate could spring another surprise KO.
Indeed, England are already making plans to cope with Switzerland’s brilliant team play by switching to a back five.
But that is unlikely to intimidate Granit Xhaka and Co after an amazing training method was spotted on Friday.
Switzerland No1 Yann Sommer is one of the top goalies around, having helped Inter Milan win the Serie A title by conceding just 22 goals.
And he looked as cool as ice as he wore a futuristic pair of sunglasses while training this morning.
At first it appeared Sommer was merely trying to protect his eyes from the glare of the sun.
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However, Switzerland’s No2 Gregor Kobel, who played in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League final to Real Madrid, also sported a pair as he made several saves.
And it quickly transpired that the glasses were not being worn for show.
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That’s because they are actually Japanese battery-powered glasses that create a slow-motion effect when a ball is being hit.
It’s said that they help goalkeepers improve their anticipation due to their darker lense.
And with Switzerland keeping a clean sheet against Italy, it’s safe to say the glasses are working.
Produced by Japanese company VisionUp, the glasses cost upwards of £350.
It’s not the first time Switzerland have used them, donning the shades at Euro 2020.
And the glasses have also been used by athletes in a range of other sports including tennis and baseball.
England must go old-school to shock Switzerland… this formation would be perfect, says Jurgen Klinsmann
IT might be time for England to try something different at these Euros, writes Jurgen Klinsmann.
Maybe Gareth Southgate will want to start the quarter-final against Switzerland in a 4-4-2 formation, with Ivan Toney alongside Harry Kane up front.
I think it might work, and if Gareth feels the same, he should do it.
This is the time when, as a manager at a tournament, you have to trust your gut instinct and never hold back from unpopular decisions.
The quarter-finals are make-or-break time. Win and you’re in the last four and everyone respects you.
Lose and it’s not acceptable for big nations like England, Germany, France and Spain.
England are facing the best Swiss team of all time on Saturday – and it is certain to be another rollercoaster.
I understand there can be snobbery about playing a 4-4-2 but sometimes you have to do something different.
It can still be a fantastic system — two hard-working frontmen like Kane and Toney can be a real threat to the opposition.
I think England need to surprise the Swiss, to try something different.
And that just might be a good old-fashioned 4-4-2.
Read Jurgen Klinsmann’s column in full.
Or check out all of Jurgen’s Euro 2024 opinions.