England have limped into the quarter-finals of the 2024 European Championship, but their unconvincing journey doesn’t get any easier with a daunting challenge on the horizon.
The Three Lions will take on Switzerland at the Dusseldorf Arena on Saturday, knowing anything but their A-game could spell the end of their Euro 2024 campaign, which is already hanging by a thread.
England’s last-16 encounter against Slovakia was a heart-stopping affair, although they just about squeezed through in Gelsenkirchen despite a largely clueless and lacklustre performance.
Barely seconds away from a humiliating early exit, a last-gasp bicycle-kick equaliser from Jude Bellingham, followed by Harry Kane’s extra-time header, rescued England from the jaws of defeat and kept their campaign alive.
Relief washed over manager Gareth Southgate, whose eight-year reign looked precariously balanced on a knife’s edge. However, the euphoria of survival has a short shelf life.
England’s performances have failed to live up to expectations. Their group stage display was mediocre, and individual brilliance has masked the team’s lack of tactical coherence.
England will have to up their levels considerably against the impressive Swiss, who are certainly not lacking in confidence after coming within a whisker of pipping hosts Germany to top spot in Group A.
They then proceeded to outclass the reigning champions, Italy, with a dominant 2-0 victory in the last 16. Goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas exposed the Italians’ frailties, showcasing the Swiss team’s growing confidence and tactical acumen.
Switzerland has emerged as a genuine threat in this tournament.
Their historical record against England may be one-sided, but their current form tips the scales in their favour, even if they’ll head into the game as underdogs.
This Swiss are well-drilled, tactically astute, and brimming with attacking talent, so they’ll fancy their chances of toppling Southgate’s less-than-impressive troops.
The match is poised to deliver plenty of fireworks, a dance between grit and tactical acumen.
So, for football fans who crave a match brimming with tension and drama, head over to seatsnet.com and secure your England vs Switzerland ticket to catch all the action from an unmissable showdown.
Match Preview
England will square off with Switzerland for the fourth time at a major tournament, having won 2-0 in the 1954 World Cup and 3-0 at Euro 2004, although the Swiss snatched a 1-1 draw at Euro 1996.
The Three Lions have lost just one of their last 24 meetings with Switzerland in all competitions (W17, D6). They are unbeaten in their previous 13 encounters (W9, D4) stretching back to 1981.
England have now reached the quarter-final in all four of their major tournaments under Southgate’s leadership.
This match will be their fourth consecutive quarter-final appearance at a Euros or World Cup, a feat never achieved before.
While England have progressed from two of their previous Euro quarter-finals, three out of those four matches went to penalties, raising the possibility of another nail-biting finale on Saturday.
This match holds extra significance for Southgate, marking his 100th game in charge of the England national team. He’ll be the third manager to reach that milestone after Walter Winterbottom and Alf Ramsey.
Kieran Trippier has emerged as a key player for England in Euro 2024. He leads the team in both chances created (seven) and line-breaking passes (six), showcasing his offensive prowess and ability to unlock defences.
Southgate will need to figure out how to adequately replace the Newcastle United defender after he limped off against Slovakia.
Switzerland stand on the cusp of history, having reached only their fifth major tournament quarter-final and their second at the Euros in as many editions.
They’ve been eliminated in all four of their previous quarter-final games, making them the European nation with the most last-eight appearances without ever progressing to a semi-final.
Despite their struggles in the past, Switzerland have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent Euros.
After losing six of their first eight matches in the competition (D2), they’ve only lost one of their last 14 (W5, D8), showcasing a newfound resilience.
However, penalty shootouts haven’t been kind, with two of those draws resulting in heart-breaking defeats from the spot.
Their encounter with England offers a chance to rewrite history.
While the Swiss haven’t enjoyed much success against the Three Lions, they’ve already proven their giant-killing credentials by comfortably dispatching Italy in the last 16.
This win ended a 70-year winless run against the reigning champions, sending shockwaves throughout the tournament.
With England now in their sights, the Swiss will fancy their chances of finally conquering the Three Lions, who have been far from convincing in their run to the quarter-finals.
Granit Xhaka has been a driving force for the Swiss, leading the way in chance creation (eight), successful passes (254), and line-breaking passes (51).
His midfield control will be crucial against a talented England side.
Team news & potential line-ups
England manager Southgate faces a crucial defensive headache ahead of their Euro quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
While boasting a near-full-strength squad, the Three Lions must find a replacement for Marc Guehi, who picked up a costly second yellow card against Slovakia, resulting in a one-match suspension.
Southgate opted for a lone change in midfield for the Slovakia game, introducing Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
Mainoo’s impressive display suggests he’ll retain his spot in the engine room, but the backline presents a major selection dilemma.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk are obvious options to partner John Stones at the heart of the defence, although Kyle Walker can also play at centre-back if Southgate switches to a back three.
Another potential change involves Trippier, who limped off with an injury against Slovakia.
This forced Southgate to deploy Bukayo Saka at left back, and Cole Palmer impressed after coming on as a substitute.
Bellingham is not expected to face a ban for an “inside joke” gesture aimed towards friends near the Slovakia dugout, so he’s expected to headline the England squad on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Switzerland received a massive boost with captain Granit Xhaka declared fit after a minor adductor issue.
Silvan Widmer will also return at right wing-back after serving his one-match suspension in their victory over Italy.
Head coach Murat Yakin still has a decision to make over who will drop out for his regular starter.
A reshuffle involving Michel Aebischer and Fabian Rieder, who played wing-back against Italy, could mean Dan Ndoye or goalscorer Vargas are up for the chop.
England potential starting line-ups:
(3-4-2-1): Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Kyle Walker; Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden; Harry Kane.
Switzerland potential starting line-ups:
(3-4-2-1): Yan Sommer; Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Silvan Widmer, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer; Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas; Breel Embolo.
