'We are ready to fight': Swiss manager Murat Yakin's message to England
England will face Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarterfinals as the Three Lions chase their first major trophy since 1966.
Switzerland has been the dark horse in the competition so far, drawing with hosts Germany in the final group game and convincingly beating reigning champions Italy 2-0 in the Round of 16.
For England, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions in their four games. The 'Three Lions' were 86 seconds away from being eliminated in the round of 16 against Slovakia, but Jude Bellingham's overhead kick and Harry Kane's extra-time header saw England through.
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Draws with Denmark and Slovenia and scrappy wins against Serbia and Slovakia have left England fans less hopeful of bringing the Euros home. Gary Neville believes they will have to be better, or they will lose to Switzerland.
According to Sky Sports, the former England defender said: "Not playing as well and winning will eventually catch you out, and I think it will catch England out on Saturday if they keep playing at the same level."
"Let's be really clear. Three weeks ago, if you had handed this England squad, Gareth Southgate, the players, and us as fans, Switzerland in the quarter-finals, we would have bitten your hand off."
England are still without a clear left back, star defender Marc Guehi is suspended, and England haven't sorted out their balance in midfield, with Declan Rice playing with three different partners in four games.
England's issues breathe confidence into the Swiss players and manager Murat Yakin, who are confident they can cause an upset and compete with another footballing powerhouse.
According to The Sun, Yakin said: "We played well against Germany and were good against Italy, another big team, so why can't we beat England? It's a good challenge."
"My team is ready to fight against England. We know their strengths, and we also know their weaknesses." He added, "We are in a good situation. We have played well and have had good results. We have a good spirit in the team."
Swiss duo Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka have been exceptional at dictating the play in the tournament, while Ruben Vargas, Dan Ndoye, and Breel Embolo have all scored at Euro 2024 and pose a clear threat for any team. Can Switzerland beat England?
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