Saturday’s first Euro 2024 quarterfinal will see England clash with Switzerland in Dusseldorf.
England’s struggles in this tournament have been well documented, as Southgate’s side has been a real disappointment as far as the level of play is concerned. The three Lions finished an easy group with 5 points, playing poorly, and have played even worse in the Round of 16 clash with Slovakia. England looked to be down and out until a 95 minute equalizer saved the day and allowed the Brits to eventually win 2-1 in extra time – after another 30 minutes of poor football.
Switzerland has been a nice surprise so far in this tournament. The Swiss didn’t seem to be their dangerous selves coming into Euro 2024, coming after a disappointing qualifying campaign (finished 2nd behind Romania in one of the easiest groups ever) and having to navigate conflicts between the manager and star players. Despite all this, Switzerland managed to reach the quarters and did it in style – convincing wins with Hungary and Italy, draws with Scotland and Germany.
Team news & lineups:
England will have to do without Guehi, suspended. Switzerland has no squad problems.
England: Pickford – Walker, Stones, Konsa, Trippier – Alexander-Arnold, Rice – Saka, Bellingham, Foden – Kane
Switzerland: Sommer – Schar, Rodriguez, Akanji – Widmer, Xhaka, Freuler, Aebischer – Vargas, Embolo, Ndoye
The story ahead of this match has been written: England is playing poorly, Switzerland has played well, so an upset is on the cards. Odds on the Brits have already gone up.
However, I have a different perspective. I think the value is now on England, as it is usually the case when the narrative pushes the odds in one direction.
I am counting on the fact that England is, when it’s all said and done, a (much) better team than Switzerland, and big teams have a habit of turning the gears up in the latter stages of tournaments. Yes, England played poorly, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start playing up to their standards now that the quarters are here. And even if their offense has been boring, in the end England has not lost, even with this poor play. That should be a psychological catalyzer for them, as should the dramatic win over Slovakia.
For what it’s worth, Switzerland hasn’t beaten England since 1981, that’s 10 matches without a win.
Backing England at odds above 1.50 with security in case of a draw is a no brainer for me. My tip is England to win with +0 Asian Handicap. Prediction: England – Switzerland 2-0.
Pick: England (+0 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 1.53 @ 1xBit
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 5.30
Event date: 6 July