With a formidable test looming, England’s lackluster path to the quarterfinals of the 2024 European Championship doesn’t get any easier.
When the Three Lions play Switzerland on Saturday at the Dusseldorf Arena, they know that a performance below par may mean the end of their already precarious Euro 2024 campaign.
The match between England and Slovakia in the round of 16 was intense, even though they narrowly prevailed in Gelsenkirchen despite a generally inept and unimpressive effort.
Just moments away from an embarrassing early departure, Jude Bellingham’s last-minute bicycle-kick equalizer and Harry Kane’s header in extra time saved England’s campaign from certain death.
Manager Gareth Southgate, whose eight-year tenure appeared to be perilously perched on a knife’s edge, was relieved. The exhilaration of surviving, however, is fleeting.
England has not performed to the level that was anticipated. Their collective performance was lackluster, and their individual talents have obscured the team’s tactical incoherence.
England will need to step up their game significantly against the formidable Swiss, who are undoubtedly confident after narrowly losing to the hosts Germany in Group A.
Then, in the round of 16, they dominated Italy, the defending champions, winning 2-0. The Italians’ weaknesses were revealed by goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas, demonstrating the Swiss team’s increasing self-assurance and tactical skill.
In this competition, Switzerland has shown themselves to be a serious contender.
Even though they will start the match as underdogs, their recent performance tilts the odds in their favor despite their unfavorable historical record against England.
This Swiss team is full of offensive skill, well-trained, and adept tactically, so they will be confident in their ability to defeat Southgate’s underwhelming army.
This match, which is a ballet between grit and tactical brilliance, is sure to be exciting.
Thus, football lovers who are craving a high-stakes, dramatic encounter can visit seatsnet.com to purchase their England vs. Switzerland ticket and see all the action from a contest that won’t soon be forgotten.
Preview of the Match
Switzerland and England will play each other in a major event for the fourth time. England won the first two, 2-0 in the 1954 World Cup and 3-0 at Euro 2004, while the Swiss managed a 1-1 draw at Euro 1996.
In their previous 24 encounters with Switzerland in all competitions, the Three Lions have only suffered one defeat (W17, D6). They have won nine of their last four meetings, dating back to 1981, and they have never lost.
Under Southgate’s direction, England has advanced to the quarterfinals of all four of its major events.
They had never made it past the quarterfinals of a World Cup or the European Championship before this encounter.
Even though England has advanced from two of its last four Euro quarterfinals, three of those games ended in penalties, so there’s a chance for another suspenseful conclusion on Saturday.
Since this is Southgate’s 100th game in command of the England national team, the game is especially important to him. It will be Walter Winterbottom, Alf Ramsey, and him as the third manager to accomplish that feat.
One of England’s most important players for Euro 2024 is Kieran Trippier. He leads the squad in line-breaking passes (six) and opportunities created (seven), demonstrating his attacking skill and capacity to penetrate defenses.
Southgate must devise a suitable replacement plan for the Newcastle United defender, who hobbled off against Slovakia.
Having advanced to only their fifth major event quarterfinal and their second consecutive European Championship, Switzerland is on the brink of history.
They are now the European country with the most last-eight appearances without ever making it to the semifinals, having lost all four of their prior quarterfinal matches.
Switzerland has had a tremendous shift in the previous Euros, despite their earlier troubles.
They had lost six of their opening eight games in the competition (D2), but they have only lost one of their past 14 games (W5, D8), demonstrating their increased fortitude.
Nevertheless, penalty shootouts haven’t been kind; two of those ties ended in heartbreaking losses on the penalty spot.
They have the opportunity to change history when they come across England.
The Swiss haven’t had much luck against the Three Lions, but they have previously defeated Italy with ease in the round of 16 to demonstrate their ability to defeat giants.
This victory sent shockwaves across the competition as it put an end to a 70-year losing streak against the current champions.
The Swiss will enjoy their chances of eventually defeating the Three Lions, who have been far from impressive in their route to the quarterfinals, now that England is in their sights.
The Swiss have been led by Granit Xhaka, who has set records for most chances created (eight), successful passes (254), and line-breaking passes (51).
Controlling the midfield will be essential against a strong England team.
Team updates and possible lineups
Before England’s match against Switzerland in the Euro quarterfinals, manager Gareth Southgate must deal with a significant defensive dilemma.
Despite having an almost complete roster, the Three Lions need to find a substitute for Marc Guehi, who was given a one-match ban after receiving a costly second yellow card against Slovakia.
For the Slovakia match, Southgate made just one midfield substitution, starting Declan Rice in the middle of the ground with Kobbie Mainoo, a promising player for Manchester United.
Although Mainoo’s outstanding performance implies he’ll stay in the engine room, the backline poses a significant selection challenge.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa and Lewis Dunk of Brighton & Hove Albion are the obvious choices to accompany John Stones at the center of the defense; if Southgate decides to go with a back three, Kyle Walker can also play at center-back.
Another possible alteration concerns Trippier, who hobbled off against Slovakia due to an injury.
Due to this, Southgate was obliged to start Cole Palmer at left back, where he made an impression after coming on as a substitute.
Bellingham is anticipated to lead the England team on Saturday since he is not anticipated to be suspended for making a “inside joke” gesture at pals close to the Slovakia dugout.
Granit Xhaka, Switzerland’s captain, was cleared to play following a minor adductor problem, giving the team a huge boost.
Moreover, Silvan Widmer, who was suspended for one match, will start at right wing-back in their triumph over Italy.
Murat Yakin, the head coach, is currently debating whether player will be his regular starter.
Reorganizations involving Michel Aebischer and Fabian Rieder—who defended Italy as a wing-back—may result in Dan Ndoye or goal scorer Vargas being let go.
England potential starting line-ups
Jordan Pickford; Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Kyle Walker; Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Trent Alexander-Arnold; Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden; Harry Kane are possible starting lineups for England (3-4-2-1).
Possible starting lineups for Switzerland include
(3-4-2-1): Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Breel Embolo; Silvan Widmer, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Michel Aebischer; Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Yan Sommer.
