A struggling England will face a strong Switzerland. Both teams are looking for their first Euro trophy win.
England vs Switzerland (Photo: Getty Images)
New Delhi: England will meet Switzerland in the third quarter-finals of the UEFA Euro 2024 in Merkur Spiel Arena, Dusseldorf (Saturday, July 6th). Both teams have never won the tournament, but they could be just games away from changing that.
England supporters were not favourable to Southgate after his team’s goalless draw against Slovenia in their final Group C game. Whilst many had hoped that the knockouts would be a turnaround for the runners-up, their last-16 battle against Slovakia almost ended their campaign. After Ivan Schranz’s goal had put Slovakia ahead for 90 minutes, Jude Bellingham brought the team alive with a bicycle kick in the extra time before Harry Kane ensured that the team had turned around.
England haven’t won a single game at Euro 2024 convincingly, nor have they won any game within 90 minutes since sliding past Serbia on Matchday one. However, Southgate has now led his nation to four successive major tournament quarter-finals, a journey that has kept fans on the edge of their seats and deeply engaged with the team’s performance. Plus, Southgate’s seven victories in knockout matches at the World Cup and European Championships is one of the best results from all English managers put together since 1966.
Switzerland are coming to the draw after a fantastic 2-0 win over current trophy holders Italy. Ruben Vargas assisted Remo Freuler in scoring the opening Swiss goal. Vargas then scored the second goal in the first minute of the second half to ensure Switzerland were the first team to reach the quarter-finals.
Yakin’s men have emerged as the tournament’s dark horses. Their group stage performance saw them win resoundingly over Hungary and draw Scotland and Germany equally commendably. They are now in their second straight quarter-final in the Euros. However, they haven’t reached beyond this stage in any major tournament. Along with England’s poor current form, the Rossocrociati are unbeaten in eight games. They have only lost once in 18 games since the 2022 World Cup.
Team News
Marc Guehi picked his second yellow card of the tournament and will face suspension during the quarter-finals. It is reported that Southgate may consider England’s struggling attack with a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 setup to a three-man defence. Which makes Ezri Konsa the favourite to step in for a banned Guehi.
Though Luke Shaw resumed full training before the knockouts, he has yet to earn any minutes for England at the Euros and is unlikely to be included in the first XI after almost five months out. This means Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka may act as Southgate’s wing-backs. The good news for England is that Jude Bellingham has though been fined for the inappropriate gesture to Slovakia’s bench but has been cleared to play in the quarter-finals
Despite a slight adductor injury scare, Granit Xhaka will likely be fit for tonight’s clash after scans showed no serious damage to the midfielder. So Yakin will have a fit squad list to choose from. He will be in some dilemma after Silvan Widmer returns from a one-game suspension. However, Dan Ndoye excelled in Wildmer’s place in the win over Italy.
Yakin could move Ndoye into the front three, drop Fabian Rieder, and recall Widmer to his usual right-wing back position. This lineup would see a brilliant battle between Widmer and Saka. Attacker Noah Okafor is the only one with a fitness issue in the Swiss camp, but he was unlikely to start.
Head to Head
England have won 19 games and lost only thrice against Switzerland. The two teams have played five draws. England have not lost to Switzerland since the 1981 World Cup. Switzerland would still be confident of the outcome as the English side have struggled to find the flair that is needed at this stage of the tournament.
Predicted Lineup
England:
Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Stones; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Saka; Kane, Toney
Switzerland:
Sommer; Schar, Rodriguez, Akanji; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo
When, where and how to watch the England vs Switzerland match in India?
The England vs Switzerland UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 9:30 pm IST tonight.
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