Tournament football is never easy with England, is it?
Gareth Southgate’s side were staring down the barrel of defeat against Slovakia in the last 16 but some late, late heroics from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane somehow secured a 2-1 win after extra-time.
Luck was on the Three Lions’ side in Gelsenkirchen and they will have to be far better on Saturday against a Switzerland outfit who brushed aside Italy in the first knockout match of the tournament.
Read on for NetBet‘s full match preview and check out all our Euro 2024 odds.
England vs Switzerland
Saturday, July 6, 5pm
Dusseldorf Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany
Live on BBC One
Preview
England fans will be hoping the dramatic victory over Slovakia is what sparks the team into life after some woeful showings at Euro 2024 so far.
The Three Lions dominated possession in their last 16 tie, just like they did in the 0-0 draw with Slovenia, but did not have a shot on target until Bellingham’s stoppage-time equaliser – a clear sign that changes to the XI are required.
On top of their attacking deficiencies, England did not exactly shine defensively, with Kyle Walker and John Stones performing well below the lofty standards they have set at Manchester City and in previous international tournaments.
The fact Bukayo Saka had to briefly deputise at left-back is a cause for concern as well. Although, the Arsenal star offered the team far more balance than the right-footed Kieran Trippier, so it could be that he starts in the unfamiliar position against Switzerland.
That would allow Cole Palmer to feature from the off against a Swiss side who enter this match glowing with confidence.
Switzerland outclassed Italy in their last 16 match, with midfield metronome Granit Xhaka and defensive rock Manuel Akanji both excelling once again – two players England cannot let get too much of a grip on proceedings.
Overall, England’s latest opponents are a strong, compact unit, one which can nullify attacks, control the tempo and cause serious problems in the final third.
Italy simply could not handle the likes of Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas and Dan Ndoye, which should prompt the Three Lions to get through some extra defensive work on the training pitch this week.
England and Switzerland last met at a European Championship way back in 2004, when a young Wayne Rooney helped his side claim a 3-0 group stage victory.
Odds
England are the favourites here at 2.20. Switzerland’s odds of 3.81 look very tempting indeed…
*Odds are subject to change
Betting Tips
Belli-Goal
Bellingham would admit himself he was way below his best against Slovakia but he still delivered a stunning overhead kick goal to keep England in the tournament. Can he do something similar vs Switzerland? Bellingham to score anytime is 4.70 and he is 9.20 to score first.
BTTS
England’s defensive struggles in the win over Slovakia makes it hard to envisage them keeping out a Switzerland attack which is arguably far stronger on paper. Both teams to score in the match is at 2.05, while England to win and both teams to score is 5.30.
Watch out for Ruben
And if Switzerland do get on the scoresheet, Vargas could be the man to deliver the goal after his strike in the 2-0 win over Italy. The Augsburg star is an eye-catching 6.30 to score anytime, while Vargas is at 13.00 to bag the first goal of the game.
England Team News
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford, Walker, Stones, Konsa, Saka, Rice, Mainoo, Palmer, Bellingham, Foden, Kane
Suspensions: Guehi
Switzerland Team News
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Sommer, Akanji, Schar, Rodriguez, Widmer, Freuler, Xhaka, Aebischer, Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas
Suspensions: None
Score Prediction
England 2-1 Switzerland (AET)
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