On Saturday, the Swiss national team will face England in an eagerly awaited clash. The Swiss could reach the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time.
Coach Murat Yakin and defender Fabian Schär are asked on the evening before the game whether this is the biggest game of their lives. The question seemed familiar to him, Yakin replied dryly. "I hope I'll be asked it again next week." An answer that, from Schär's point of view, needs no elaboration.
The big question for the Swiss is whether Silvan Widmer will return to the starting line-up after his suspension, and who would have to make way if he did. Most recently, Dan Ndoye played in the right midfield position. He could move up a position again, in which case either Ruben Vargas or Fabian Rieder would have to move to the substitutes' bench.
As always, Yakin is keeping a low profile. The 49-year-old says he will field the players who are in the best form and who fit best into the system. Only in the case of captain Granit Xhaka, who has hardly been able to train with the team this week due to adductor problems, is the national coach clear: "There are no ifs and buts with Granit. He is fit and will play."
The Swiss national team will go into their second European Championship quarter-final since 2021 with a healthy dose of self-confidence, which they have built up with good performances against the major footballing nations Germany (1:1) and Italy (2:0). Now the English will also have to get their teeth into the Swiss.
"Of course I also want to show how strong we are," says Schär. The 32-year-old defender has been living in England for a good six years, where he plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League. He does not believe that the English could underestimate the Swiss. "After all, they've seen our games and know what we're capable of."
Conversely, the Swiss know that England are capable of more than they have shown so far. "In hindsight, the results of the group stage no longer interest anyone," says Schär. "We don't just have to stop Harry Kane, but an entire attacking department with big names." This has worked well so far thanks to the solidarity of all the players.
The possible line-ups
England - Switzerland
Saturday, 18.00 hrs. - Düsseldorf. - Referee Orsato (ITA).
England: 1 Pickford; 2 Walker, 5 Stones, 14 Konsa; 8 Alexander-Arnold, 26 Mainoo, 4 Rice, 12 Trippier; 10 Bellingham, 7 Saka; 9 Kane.
Switzerland: 1 Sommer; 22 Schär, 5 Akanji, 13 Rodriguez; 3 Widmer, 8 Freuler, 10 Xhaka, 20 Aebischer; 19 Ndoye, 17 Vargas; 7 Embolo.
Comments: England without Guéhi (suspended).
SDA
