Pascal Zuberbühler knows the English media landscape inside out. If the Three Lions fail against Switzerland, things will get ugly for England coach Gareth Southgate, says Zubi.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- After the coup over Italy, Switzerland will take on England in the European Championship quarter-finals on Saturday.
- The Three Lions have disappointed so far and only narrowly missed out on an early exit.
- blue Sport expert Pascal Zuberbühler fears bad headlines for coach Gareth Southgate if the English are knocked out against the Nati.
The end of the Gareth Southgate era seemed to be a foregone conclusion - then the round of 16 match against Slovakia tipped over. After Jude Bellingham's stroke of genius in stoppage time and a very lucky 2:1 win after extra time against Slovakia, Southgate can actually look forward to his 100th international match as head coach.
In the event of a defeat against Slovakia, Southgate's resignation would have been the logical consequence of his team's poor European Championship performance to date. The 53-year-old did not extend his contract before the tournament and the end of their eight-year spell together is imminent.
The English media are currently coming down hard on Southgate. "Yes, they are ready. They've got the notepads ready, thick pads with the big letters," says Zubi, emphasizing: "It's a situation that's very, very, very difficult for Southgate at the moment. We all know that. He's been England's national team coach for a very long time. He has shown wonderful matches with England, but he is condemned to win."
Zubi continued: "Now they've said that the European Championship here in Germany is for England. England have to get to the final. Otherwise he'll be shredded".
The former national team goalkeeper, who played for West Bromwich Albion and Fulham as an active player and later worked as a goalkeeping coach at Derby County, has conducted interviews with many English media outlets. Switzerland's strong performances are a big topic there. "They are fully focused on Switzerland," summarizes the 53-year-old.
The Three Lions will face the Nati in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 6pm in Düsseldorf. If the team led by Bellingham and captain Harry Kane really wants to achieve a major triumph and end their 58-year wait for a title, they will have to win.
