England face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final this Saturday after an intense victory over Slovakia in the last 16. Southgate’s team showed remarkable resilience in their previous match with Jude Bellingham’s spectacular overhead kick goal in the 95th minute that levelled the score, followed by Harry Kane’s decisive header goal just 50 seconds into extra-time, securing their place in the last eight.
The upcoming match against Switzerland will be challenging. Switzerland reached the quarter-finals after beating the reigning champions, Italy, 2-0 this past Saturday. England topped Group C which landed them the more favourable side of the draw, avoiding heavyweights such as Spain, Germany, Portugal, France, and Belgium. If England defeat Switzerland at the weekend, they will advance to the semi-finals where they could face Netherlands or Turkey. Next would be the final on Sunday 14th July at 8pm UK time.
England’s Potential Lineup Against Switzerland
Suspensions and potential injuries could hamper England’s chances against the Swiss. Marc Guehi, who’s been on great form for England, picked up his second yellow and will therefore miss the Switzerland clash due to suspension. Another potential blow to Southgate’s plans is concerns over Kieran Trippier’s fitness for the quarter-final as he limped off the pitch against Slovakia. Here are three ways Southgate could adjust his lineup for Saturday’s crucial match.
If Trippier is fit to play, Southgate might make just one change. With Guehi suspended, Ezri Konsa is the most likely candidate to take his place. Konsa, who looked assured when he came on against Slovakia, could comfortably occupy the left central position. Ivan Toney has made impacts with his short time on the pitch, and Southgate may consider opting for a back five to make use of wing-backs for width and allows for both Toney and Harry Kane to start.
If Trippier is unavailable, Southgate’s second option would be Luke Shaw, but if he isn’t fit, Southgate might take a gamble and put Bukayo Saka at left wing-back again, adding to the attacking threat. If this was the case, Southgate might want to go with a back four, with Cole Palmer replacing Saka on the right. Kobbie Mainoo should keep his spot next to Declan Rice, but the left-back position remains a key consideration if both Trippier and Shaw are absent.
What Are England’s Chances?
It is worth examining the odds and making a decision on which bookie you should choose. England’s chances of winning Euro 2024 have unsurprisingly increased following their dramatic victory against Slovakia, and England now the favourites to go all the way with odds @4/1, followed closely behind by Spain @9/2. The Three Lions are also favoured to reach both the semi-final and the final. No doubt, this optimistic outlook is England’s placement in the easier side of the draw, avoiding the heavyweights such as Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal on the other side of the draw.
England certainly wouldn’t be considered the favourites if they were placed in the other side of the draw. Their performances so far have been underwhelming, relying on last-minute goals to secure their spot in the quarter-finals against a team ranked 45th in the world. The Three Lions have yet to fully hit their full potential, making their advancement in the competition far from certain. Hosts Germany with odds @5/1 with the bookies, have also shown vulnerabilities, claiming a late goal to draw with Switzerland. A similar story for France as they seem to be struggling to score from open play. Spain on the other hand, have been in exceptional form, winning all four of their matches and seem fairly value @9/2.
