Switzerland Shouldn’t Be Seen as a Major Threat
There is a lot of hype surrounding Switzerland’s performance in the Euros, but it’s important to keep things in perspective. They are not a world-beating team, and there isn’t a standout team in the tournament like Spain or France from previous years. The fact that Switzerland beat Italy only proves that the so-called big teams are not as great as they are made out to be. In terms of individual players, only Manuel Akanji would have a good chance of making it into the England side. Granit Xhaka might have his supporters, but Akanji is the only one who stands out for me.
England Has the Talent to Overpower Switzerland
Looking at the players Gareth Southgate has at his disposal, it’s clear that England should be able to defeat Switzerland. If England takes an attacking approach and goes out to dominate the game, they can make Switzerland worry about them rather than playing it safe. Playing safe and steady hasn’t been successful for England so far, and they have been lucky to come away with wins in previous matches. Southgate’s job as manager is always on the line, and one wrong move can lead to criticism and potential dismissal. However, if England can continue their winning streak, it may seem like fate that they will go all the way in the tournament.
Southgate’s Mindset during the Slovakia Match
When England was one goal down with less than a minute left in the match against Slovakia, it’s hard to imagine what was going through Gareth Southgate’s mind. It’s unlikely that he was confident that England would turn things around or thinking about tactical adjustments. Rather, he was likely worrying about the backlash and criticism that would come if England lost. Southgate knew that if they were eliminated, his reputation would suffer, and his life would never be the same again. This kind of pressure is immense, especially at the international level.
England’s Close Call against Slovakia
England’s performance against Slovakia was far from impressive. They were utterly woeful and lucky to come away with a win. Jude Bellingham’s late goal saved them from a humiliating exit. It was their first shot on target in the match, which speaks volumes about their poor performance. If England continues to play like this against Switzerland, they will be in trouble.
Player Ratings and Potential Changes
Several England players had disappointing performances against Slovakia. Kyle Walker had a shocker, while Phil Foden was caught offside and failed to make an impact. Harry Kane, although he scored the winning goal, is still far from his best form. It’s crucial for Gareth Southgate to make some changes for the quarter-finals. If Luke Shaw is fit, Cole Palmer should come in on one wing, and Bukayo Saka on the other. This will free up Phil Foden to play in the middle behind Kane, where he can be more effective. Additionally, Jude Bellingham should drop in alongside Declan Rice, as he has proven himself to be a key player. Southgate tends to play it safe, but taking risks and making bold substitutions could be necessary for success.
Switzerland Shouldn’t Be a Major Obstacle
Despite the hype around Switzerland, England has the talent and depth to overpower them. Once England gets past Switzerland, they can start dreaming of going all the way in the tournament. However, it’s important for Southgate to make the right substitutions at the right time and not simply go for like-for-like changes. England should approach the match with an attacking mindset and make Switzerland worry about them instead of playing it safe. With the right tactics and performances from key players, England has a strong chance of progressing further in Euro 2024.