Switzerland threatens Southgate’s ‘centennial’ in charge of England

After avoiding elimination in the last moments in the round of 16 of the Eurocup against Slovakia, the England hopes to have a calmer quarter-final against Switzerlandthis Saturday, in Düsseldorf at 1 pm (Brasília time), in the 100th game of his coach Gareth Southgate.

Although the English have been pointed out by numerous analysts as one of the big favorites for the title before the continental tournament, the truth is that their game and their results do not invite euphoria for now.

In the first phase, the English drew two of the three games, including a sad 0-0 against Slovenia, and in the round of 16 they were against the ropes, losing until Jude Bellingham equalized in injury time (90’+5) to send the duel into extra time in which Harry Kane scored the winning goal with a header.

The final two semi-finalists will be decided today!

Here’s what to look out for on Saturday 👇#EURO2024

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 6, 2024

“You’re 30 seconds away from going home and hearing all the nonsense and feeling like you’ve let an entire country down and in 30 seconds, or in one fell swoop, everything can change,” Bellingham said after the game.

The Real Madrid star himself had already been decisive in the victory over Serbia (1-0) in the group stage. His bicycle kick goal against the Slovaks could go down in history if England win the competition.

“Raising the game”

Criticism has followed the ‘Three Lions’ since the beginning of the tournament and Southgate has been the target of much of it, despite the coach, who took over in 2016, having always managed to take England to at least the quarter-finals in each of the major tournaments played.

At Euro 2021, the English were runners-up and their mission now is to go one step further.

“Our motivation, commitment and character cannot be doubted. We know we have to raise our game but we have developed a spirit of unity. I’m sure some will still question our performance and I understand that, but we have qualities that have allowed us to endure and that is something that should not be underestimated,” Southgate said after the last-16 victory.

The coach opted for continuity, with a starting lineup that has remained virtually unchanged over the four games played. Against the Swiss, however, he will have to make a forced change, as defender Marc Guehi is suspended.

“I feel sorry for Gareth (Southgate). In the games we should have been more united and worked together to find a solution,” said striker Phil Foden, in a self-critical tone this week to defend the manager from negative comments.

Switzerland wants to make history

Facing England will be a Switzerland without an inferiority complex, who have already shown in this European Championship that they are capable of facing any team.

They nearly beat hosts Germany (1-1) in the group stage, if not for a late goal from the hosts, and in the round of 16 the Swiss beat neighbours Italy, the current European champions, 2-0.

🇨🇭HOPE SCHWIIZ🇨🇭

Let’s make history ❤️🤍 @nati_sfv_asf pic.twitter.com/2lIjvHfKbu

— PUMA Football (@pumafootball) July 6, 2024

The challenge now has historic dimensions for the Swiss, who have never reached the semi-finals of a major tournament. Their best performance at the European Championship was the quarter-finals of the previous edition three years ago, and now they have the opportunity to take a step forward.

“I hope this doesn’t end, that we continue to make history. We are a good team, but we have to keep our feet on the ground,” said coach Murat Yakin after the victory over the Italians.

But it’s not just the results that have been good for the Swiss, who have become one of the sensations of this European Championship due to the football they have displayed. The exact opposite is true for England, which seems to leave the duel more open than the names of each team might lead one to think at first glance.