UEFA Euro 2024 Quarter Final
July 6, 2024 - Indian Date
Düsseldorf Arena
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
7:00 PM
FULL TIME
England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Stones; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Saka; Kane, Toney
Switzerland possible starting lineup: Sommer; Schar, Rodriguez, Akanji; Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer; Ndoye, Vargas; Embolo
Match Preview
England and Switzerland will face off in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals at Dusseldorf's Merkur Spiel-Arena on Saturday evening, each team vying for a spot in the semi-finals. The winners will set up a clash with either the Netherlands or Turkey, with both teams eager to progress despite contrasting paths to this stage.
England, under Gareth Southgate, have struggled to find their best form in this tournament, advancing from Group C without a convincing performance. Their last-16 match against Slovakia saw them behind for most of the game until a spectacular bicycle kick from Jude Bellingham and a quick extra-time goal from Harry Kane turned the tide in their favor. Despite the win, criticisms persist about the team's inability to dominate matches, as they have not won in regular time since their opening victory against Serbia. Nonetheless, Southgate's record of leading England to four successive major tournament quarter-finals highlights his capability in knockout stages, even if the team's overall performance has been less than stellar.
Switzerland, on the other hand, impressed with a deserved victory over reigning champions Italy in the last-16, booking their quarter-final spot. Murat Yakin’s men have shown resilience throughout the tournament, starting with a win over Hungary and a draw with Germany, which solidified their status as dark horses. Their unbeaten streak of eight games and only one loss in 18 matches since the 2022 World Cup add to their confidence. However, history is not on their side, as they have never advanced beyond the quarter-finals in any major tournament, and their last victory over England dates back to a 1981 World Cup qualifier.
England will be missing center-back Marc Guehi due to suspension and injury, potentially prompting Southgate to switch to a three-man defense, with Ezri Konsa likely stepping in. The return of Luke Shaw remains uncertain, so Kieran Trippier and Bukayo Saka might continue as wing-backs. Declan Rice, another key player, will face off against Granit Xhaka, who is expected to be fit despite an adductor injury scare.
For Switzerland, Yakin has a full squad to choose from, with Silvan Widmer returning from suspension. Yakin may shift Dan Ndoye, who impressed against Italy, into the front three, replacing Fabian Rieder, and restore Widmer to the right wing-back position to counter Saka.
This quarter-final match is set to be a captivating contest, with England aiming to leverage their knockout stage experience and Switzerland hoping to break their quarter-final curse. Fans can anticipate a thrilling encounter as both teams strive to move one step closer to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
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