Jude Bellingham’s crucial stoppage-time goal against Slovakia propelled England into the Euro 2024 quarterfinals in Germany. [Antonio Calanni/AP Photo]
As Euro 2024 progresses in Germany, the quarterfinals are set to deliver thrilling encounters, and one highly anticipated match is between England and Switzerland. Here’s a comprehensive preview of this exciting clash.
Match Details:
- Teams: England vs Switzerland
- Tournament: Euro 2024 Quarterfinals
- Location: Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany
- Date: Saturday, July 6
- Time: 6pm Local Time (16:00 GMT)
- Follow Live: Stay updated with live text commentary on Al Jazeera.
England’s journey to the quarterfinals in Germany has been anything but smooth. In their round of 16 match against Slovakia, they were on the verge of a shocking exit. It took a dramatic, last-gasp overhead kick from Jude Bellingham to level the score in stoppage time and force extra time. Harry Kane then secured a 2-1 victory with a header, but the performance once again sparked questions about England’s overall play and Gareth Southgate’s tactical approach.
Despite boasting a star-studded squad, including Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane, Real Madrid’s standout Jude Bellingham, and Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden, England has yet to fully convince in this tournament. They arrived in Germany as one of the favorites, but their performances have tempered expectations.
Phil Foden addressed the criticism directed at manager Gareth Southgate, stating, “I feels sorry” for the manager and emphasized that “the players have got to take some of the blame” for their underwhelming displays.
Dusseldorf Arena in Germany, the venue for the Euro 2024 quarterfinal match between England and Switzerland, is known for its modern facilities. [Uwe Kraft/AFP Photo]
Switzerland Aims for Another Upset in Germany
England’s historical Euro record shows resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last 11 matches, with seven wins. Their last defeat was against Iceland in 2016. However, their quarterfinal record is less impressive, with a 50 percent win rate and two of their last three quarterfinal exits decided on penalties – including their Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.
Switzerland, on the other hand, enters this quarterfinal with significant momentum and confidence. They are coming off a remarkable victory against the reigning champions, Italy, in the previous round. This marks only their second Euro quarterfinal appearance, with their first ending in a penalty shootout loss to Spain in 2020. Inspired by their “Italian job,” the Swiss team, playing in Germany, are eager to cause another major upset.
Despite a historically unfavorable head-to-head record against England – only three wins in 27 encounters, with the last victory dating back to 1981 – Switzerland’s coach Murat Yakin is optimistic. “We played against Germany – we were good. We played against Italy, also a big team, and why can’t we beat England?” Yakin stated confidently. “We’re in a good mood now. Let’s see, it’s a good challenge and my team is ready to have this big fight against England.”
The winner of this quarterfinal will advance to the semifinals in Dortmund to face either the Netherlands or Turkey.
Key Stats:
FIFA Rankings:
- England: 5
- Switzerland: 19
Head-to-Head Record (All Time):
- Matches: 27
- England Wins: 18
- Switzerland Wins: 3
- Draws: 6
Last Five Matches Form Guide:
- England: W-D-D-W-L
- Switzerland: W-D-D-W-D
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
