Switzerland are aiming to make historical past and attain the semi-final of a European Championship for the primary time this Saturday after they face England at Euro 2024.
After easing previous reigning champions Italy within the final 16, Switzerland will probably be assured they’ll do the identical towards Euro 2020 finalists England within the quarter-final. Given the disappointing shows of the Three Lions to this point, victory for the Swiss wouldn’t be a shock.
Switzerland entered the match on rocky floor after a qualification marketing campaign that nearly noticed supervisor Murat Yakin dismissed. Nevertheless, persistence and loyalty has paid off in Germany, with Switzerland having been one of many competitors’s most entertaining sides thus far.
Right here is how a familiar-looking Switzerland aspect may line up towards England in Dusseldorf.
GK: Yann Sommer – Gregor Kobel should be cursing his luck, with the latest Champions League finalist nonetheless unable to get a recreation forward of Sommer. Nevertheless, the 35-year-old’s wonderful performances imply he nonetheless will get the nod.
CB: Fabian Schar – Having performed each minute of each recreation for Switzerland in Germany, the Newcastle United defender has proven his significance as a part of a well-organised backline, that includes on the left aspect of a again three.
CB: Manuel Akanji – The commander on the again for Yakin, Akanji has been usually elegant at Euro 2024. The Manchester Metropolis defender is the proper man to fit into the center of three centre-backs given his wonderful studying of the sport.
CB: Ricardo Rodriguez – Whereas a left-back by commerce, Torino’s Rodriguez has additionally been a relentless for Switzerland at Euro 2024. He’ll make his one hundred and twentieth worldwide look towards England, having moved to 3rd within the nation’s all-time rankings towards Italy.
RM: Silvan Widmer – The defender missed the victory towards Italy by means of suspension however ought to slot straight again into the beginning lineup right here. He may come up towards the difficult Bukayo Saka ought to England additionally play a 3-4-2-1 formation, with the Three Lions anticipated to alter programs.
CM: Granit Xhaka – The chief creator, orchestrator and chief for Switzerland, Xhaka has taken his distinctive Bayer Leverkusen kind into Euro 2024. A lot of England’s squad will know him effectively from his time with Arsenal.
CM: Remo Freuler – A late surge into the field and a stupendous end opened the scoring towards Italy, with Freuler constructing on his spectacular shows on mortgage at Bologna final time period. England must cease him operating past the ahead line in Dusseldorf.
LM: Michel Aebischer – One other Bologna star who has made a constructive impression for membership and nation this season, central midfielder Aebsicher has been used on the left of each defence and midfield this match.
AM: Dan Ndoye – Guess who Ndoye performs for? Yep, Bologna. The Champions League qualifiers have a powerful cohort of Swiss stars, with Ndoye one other to have caught the attention within the last third for his nation.
AM: Ruben Vargas – The star of the present towards Italy with a improbable help and beautiful strike, Vargas is one to be careful for on Saturday. Restored to the beginning XI final day trip, he’ll trigger chaos simply in behind a central striker, typically drifting into broad areas.
ST: Breel Embolo – After an injury-hit season, Embolo grabbed a objective in Switzerland’s opening victory towards Hungary and has began the final two video games. His power and tempo may trigger England’s defence points.
