England’s 43-year run at stake against Switzerland at Euro 2024

England needed heroics to avoid the round of 16 against Slovakia, but Gareth Southgate’s side may not be so lucky against a strong-performing Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 on Saturday.

Murat Yakin’s side – the only team to score so far (excluding OG) against an impenetrable German defence – are a force to be reckoned with. They are led by captain Granit Xhaka, who went into Euro 2017 with confidence after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title after 120 years.

Xhaka and co. are certainly not underdogs, despite all the pre-tournament rumours that England’s stars were in prime position to win their first European Championship title.

Southgate has failed to get the most out of his attacking weapons of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, with an attacking formation that many believe has left the three wingers ineffective.

The England manager has also made questionable decisions in defence, particularly at left-back with Kieran Trippier.

The only thing that works in England’s favor is history.

England have not lost to Switzerland since the 1981 World Cup qualifier (including friendlies). In total, the Three Lions have recorded a 19-5-3 record in 27 meetings between the two nations. All three defeats occurred before the current England players were born.

Furthermore, England are unbeaten against the Swiss at the European Championships, having won five of the eight meetings they have faced, including a 3-0 victory in 2004.

Switzerland coach Yakin — part of the team that lost to England in 2004 — knows history favors his opponents. He also realizes that England are under increased pressure after their poor Euro 2024 campaign.

“It’s not up to me to judge how the English have played so far,” Yakin told Swiss newspaper Blick ahead of the clash. “I’m focusing on us. Nevertheless, we know the strengths and weaknesses of the English. I’m trying to prepare our team for them as best as possible.”

A victory for the Swiss would be sweet revenge for Yakin after the loss in 2004.

The winner of the England-Switzerland quarter-final will face either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-finals. England are seeking to reach the final for the second time in a row after losing to Italy in 2021.