England have reached the Euro 2024 quarter-finals despite producing a series of underwhelming performances, but they will probably need to improve against Switzerland in Dusseldorf on Saturday if they are to take another step on the road to glory.
Gareth Southgate’s side were on the brink of being eliminated by round of 16 opponents Slovakia when Jude Bellingham’s superb overhead kick drew them level and transformed the mood in the stadium.
Harry Kane’s header finished the job in extra-time, ensuring England’s advancement to their fifth European Championship quarter-final.
Next up is what promises to be a much stiffer test against one of the most impressive teams in the tournament.
Switzerland finished a strong second to hosts Germany in Group A and breezed through their round of 16 clash against Italy with a superb 2-0 success.
The Swiss have never reached the European Championship semi-finals, but they will fancy their chances this weekend.
Tip 1: Switzerland to qualify
Switzerland have been happy to go toe-to-toe with the heavyweight nations at Euro 2024 and they can deliver a knockout blow to England by winning Saturday’s quarter-final at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf.
Murat Yakin’s team were not especially impressive in qualifying, but they have looked a slick, well-coached team over the last few weeks and seem to be growing in belief that they could achieve something special.
The Swiss caught the eye in their 1-1 group stage draw with Germany and were even more impressive when defeating Italy in the round of 16.
Switzerland outclassed the Italians in every department and they will be planning another front-foot performance against England, who have looked uncertain and unbalanced.
The Three Lions rode their luck to finish top of Group C and were even more fortunate to scrape past Slovakia, who could have been two goals up and out of sight before Bellingham’s moment of magic.
It has been evident for some time that changes of tactics and personnel are required, but England head coach Gareth Southgate remains committed to the same cautious style which has been a feature of previous campaigns.
Southgate can point to his statistical record at major tournaments, which is better than any England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey, but his team have failed to perform this summer and could be put out of their misery by the slick Swiss.
Tip 2 Dan Ndoye to score any time
Switzerland’s advancement to the quarter-finals has been a team effort, but versatile attacker Dan Ndoye has caught the eye with a string of impressive contributions and he looks as likely as anyone to produce a match-winning moment against England.
Ndoye has sometimes been a victim of his ability to play in multiple positions.
He has played as a wing-back and a wide forward this summer and impressed in both roles.
However, after ably deputising for right wing-back Silvan Widmer against Italy, he should rejoin the Swiss front three in Dusseldorf.
Ndoye was utilised higher up the pitch in the 1-1 draw against Germany and scored a superb goal.
The 23-year-old should also cause problems for England with his pace and movement and he has every chance of getting on the scoresheet.
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