Before the European Championships, England were considered the top favorites to win the title. After the Three Lions' poor performances so far, the motherland of football is now highly skeptical ahead of the quarter-final against Switzerland.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- England's press warns the Three Lions against a strong and tactically astute Swiss team ahead of their European Championship quarter-final clash.
- One Nati player in particular stands out in the English analysis: Ruben Vargas.
- The quarter-final between the Nati and England will take place next Saturday at 18:00 in Düsseldorf.
England came through by the skin of their teeth against Slovakia in the round of 16 on Sunday. A last-minute goal with a bicycle kick by Jude Bellingham saved the Three Lions in extra time, where Harry Kane finally scored the winning goal to make it 2-1.
Nevertheless, the mood in England is grim. "It's coming home" is nowhere to be heard, instead everyone is relieved that Gareth Southgate's team have not yet been sent home themselves. After the disappointing performances of Kane, Bellingham and Co. in the group stage and the round of 16, the British are skeptical about next Saturday's quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
A glance at the English newspapers also shows this. Some even see the Nati as the favorites. "The Swiss have given hosts Germany a scare and brought defending champions Italy to their knees. Next up is England, and Switzerland go into the game with confidence, albeit without much fanfare," writes theDaily Mail, for example.
"Tactically, the Swiss are way ahead of us"
The Sun asked English fans what they think about the game against Switzerland. "This Swiss team can easily beat England if they want to do it," one fan is quoted as saying. Another says: "Switzerland really are better than England at the moment."
A third says: "People keep saying that England will get to the final easily. I don't give us much credit against this Swiss team." The fears of another early exit are great. "Tactically, the Swiss are way ahead of us," says another fan.
The national team gave Italy a lesson in pressing and organization in the round of 16, according to the BBC TV website. "It was a team performance that made the critics sit up and take notice, because the team was a step ahead of all the other teams England have faced in Germany so far."
Gary Neville, former England international, said on "Syksports":"England will be eliminated on Saturday if they keep playing the way they are. Switzerland are playing well and have a strong team. If we can't raise our level, we'll be out."
The fear of Ruben Vargas
The English fear one man in particular: Ruben Vargas. Everywhere you read about the national team on the island, the main focus is on the Augsburg legionnaire. "Ruben Vargas was inventive and decisive on the left flank," says the BBC. "Vargas was really something special and I felt sorry for Giovanni di Lorenzo. He had a terrible time," says former striker Pat Nevin on Radio 5 Live.
The Daily Express advises Gareth Southgate not to bring in Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back instead of the weakening Kyle Walker, as Gary Neville had requested. "There's a big problem with bringing him on against Switzerland. And that is Ruben Vargas," the Express reports. "The 25-year-old has torn Italy (...) to shreds."
Vargas is in top form and could pose major problems for the English defense, which will have to make do without the suspended Marc Guehi. "Southgate therefore needs a full-back who can keep Vargas on a short leash."
Last but not least, the Guardian even believes Switzerland can win the title. And the national team captain the title of World Player of the Year: "Granit Xhaka is three games away from being a good candidate for the Ballon d'Or."
