Introduction
England will face Switzerland at Düsseldorf on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2024. The Three Lions progressed to this round after a hard-fought victory over Slovakia. Meanwhile, Switzerland needed 90 minutes to see off the Azzuris. The winner of this contest will meet either the Netherlands or Turkey in the last four of the championship. Here is our preview for this exciting clash.
About the game
England’s Performance
Southgate’s England narrowly escaped elimination against Slovakia, reaching Euro 2024 quarters despite a lackluster performance. Their quarter-final history is mixed, with two progressions in four attempts, often decided by penalties. This match marks Southgate’s 100th as England manager, a rare milestone. He aims to celebrate with a victory, needing significant improvement to advance further and silence critics of his tenure.
Switzerland’s Performance
Switzerland’s Euro 2024 campaign has shown their offensive depth, with seven players scoring – a team record for a major tournament. Key contributors include Shaqiri, Ndoye, Duah, Embolo, and Aebischer, with Freluer and Vargas netting in their recent victory over Italy. Their impressive Euro record shows only one loss in 14 matches. This quarter-final appearance marks their fifth in a major tournament. Still, they’ve never progressed further. It is a European record for most quarter-final exits by any team without reaching a semi-final.
Head-to-Head History
This match marks the eleventh game between England and Switzerland. The Three Lions have defeated Switzerland eight with two games ending in a draw. Their last Euro meeting came during the group stage of Euro 2024. England won the game 3:0 thanks to a brace from Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard.
Key Players to Watch
Trippier, excelling as a makeshift left-back, leads England in chance creation and line-breaking passes at Euro 2024. Bellingham, England’s savior against Slovakia, is poised to shine again. Southgate awaits improved performances from Foden and Saka, who could step up to support Kane in attack. This core group is crucial for England’s quarter-final aspirations.
England confronts ex-Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, Switzerland’s tournament leader in chance creation, completed and line-breaking passes. Veterans Shaqiri, Embolo, Aebischer, Freluer, and Vargas form a potent Swiss attack. Xhaka’s Premier League experience and the team’s seasoned offensive lineup significantly challenge England’s quarterfinal ambitions.
Possible Team Lineups and Changes
Southgate plans a dramatic shift in England’s Euro 2024 strategy, reverting to a formation unused since Euro 2020’s final. This change, prompted by Guehi’s suspension and underperforming players, aims to maximize width and player positioning. Bellingham and Foden may feature as dual No. 10s, while Stones, Konsa, and Walker form a new defensive trio, with Walker’s speed crucial against Swiss counterattacks.
Switzerland will likely stick to the 3-4-3 formation that got them to this stage. Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, and Ricardo Rodriguez will form the core of the three-man defense. Granit Xhaka will anchor the midfield alongside Aebischer and Freluer, with Ben Embolo upfront.
England vs. Switzerland Betting Odds and Predictions
The Three Lions have been abysmal so far at this Euros and are lucky to still be in this competition. There are rumours that the coach might adopt a new formation using three at the back to improve their performance.
Switzerland will be buoyed by their performance against the host nation and reigning champions. The Swiss will believe they can get a result today and we won’t put it past them to do so. You can back Switzerland to score a goal in the game.
The Best Betting Odds
Conclusion
England’s potential formation shift may not instantly solve their attacking woes. Many question their quarter-final worthiness after recent performances. Switzerland, deservedly in the last eight, possesses the defensive steel to thwart England’s reliance on individual brilliance. We predict Yakin’s disciplined Swiss side to end England’s Euro dreams, possibly closing Southgate’s tenure as Three Lions manager.
Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.