Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Euro 2024
Quarter-finals
England v Switzerland
Merkur Spiel-Arena
Dusseldorf, Germany
Saturday, 6 July 2024
Kick-off is at 18h00
England manager Gareth Southgate is aware that performances haven't been great ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Switzerland at the Merkur Spiel-Arena on Saturday, July 6.
The Three Lions laboured to a 1-0 win over Serbia in the opening round of the group stages before only managing to draw with Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0), although they still topped Group C.
Southgate's side were on the brink of elimination in the round of 16 after Ivan Schranz gave Slovakia the lead on 25 minutes which they held onto until the fifth minute of stoppage time when Jude Bellingham finally equalised.
Harry Kane eventually scored the winner at the start of extra time and Southgate hopes the result will give his players confidence as they look to reach back-to-back European Championship finals.
"There's no question it (Kane's goal) will give the whole group belief," he said. "We know we should be better than we've been but we've ended up with a lot of young players in important positions and trying to solve problems right the way through the four weeks of the camp.
"But the standout is the way the players are dealing with it. Their togetherness, their spirit."
Image copyright: Getty Images
Southgate is wary of the threat posed by Switzerland, adding: "They have had some consistency in what they do for a long time. Their system is difficult to press.
"They've got good rotation. Once they've been ahead they've been really difficult to break down, so they are a very good side."
The A-Team have enjoyed a solid campaign in Germany thus far, beating Hungary 3-1 followed by successive 1-1 draws with Scotland and the host nation to finish second in Group A.
Murat Yakin's side then caused a major upset when they defeated Italy 2-0 in the round of 16, with goals from Remo Freuler (37') and Ruben Vargas (46') either side of half-time sending the defending champions packing.
Switzerland have only ever beaten England once, way back in 1981, but Yakin believes their performances against Die Mannschaft and the Azzurri shows they can go toe-to-toe with the Euro 2020 finalists.
"Of course, they (England) have had problems in games when the rival played defensively. It's not easy to play against a team that has a big block in defence," he said.
"And now maybe for us, it's a good situation when you have an opponent that wants to play football. It's an open game.
"We played against Germany and we were good. We played against Italy, also a big team. So, why not beat England now?
"In a good mood. Let's see. It's a good challenge and my team is ready to have this big fight against big England."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)
Matches - 5
England wins - 5
Switzerland wins - 0
Draws - 0
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