England fans will have leapt at the prospect of a Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Switzerland prior to this summer’s tournament, but there is no doubting which team has played the better football in Germany.
The Three Lions – in pursuit of a first major trophy in 58 years – have been dismal for the most part and appeared on the verge of a last-16 exit against Slovakia before Jude Bellingham found the net with a sublime bicycle kick to force extra time in Gelsenkirchen.
Captain Harry Kane headed home what proved to be a decisive goal as England scraped through by the skin of their teeth, but Gareth Southgate knows his players can ill afford to slip up again.
The England boss has a number of selection problems to address, chiefly the fitness of Luke Shaw and the absence of Marc Guehi, who serves a one-game ban after picking up a second booking last time out.
There is also a clamour for one or both of Anthony Gordon and Cole Palmer to be included to add some much-needed impetus to Southgate’s ailing attack.
Switzerland, meanwhile, have been one of the surprise packages of the European Championships, with Murat Yakin’s men emerging from the group stage undefeated before dumping out holders Italy in the round of 16.
The Group A runners-up are hopeful their midfield talisman Granit Xhaka will be able to shake off a muscle problem to feature in Dusseldorf.
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