Adrian Mills’ selections for the Three Lions’ quarter-final on Saturday include Switzerland progressing and a card for an England full-back.
England needed late heroics from Jude Bellingham to scrape past Slovakia in the round of 16 and they now face their first real quality opposition of the tournament in the shape of Switzerland.
The Swiss beat Italy 2-0 in their round of 16 game and have been impressive throughout the tournament, they nearly sneaked a victory over Germany in the group games before Niclas Fullkrug’s late equaliser.
Now the two teams face off in Dusseldorf on Saturday with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Best bets
Switzerland to qualify
7/5
Michel Aebischer to score or assist
10/3
Kieran Trippier to be shown a card
4/1
Swiss to progress
England have failed to impress in any of their four games at this tournament and they may fall short finally against this Switzerland team.
Gareth Southgate’s side have failed to create chances at any real rate and have also looked vulnerable at the back.
Their standout defensive performer Marc Guehi is suspended for this clash and they conceded 2.2 expected goals even with the Crystal Palace man in the team against Slovakia.
A late equaliser from Jude Bellingham and an extra-time goal from Harry Kane gave the Three Lions the win, but they have still only netted four goals at the tournament and look vulnerable against a strong Switzerland outfit.
The Red Crosses have only lost one of their last 18 games and can punish an England team that have been well below par.
Aebischer to carry on impressive tournament
Michel Aebischer has been one of the standout performers at this year’s tournament, registering a goal and two assists in four games.
The left-wing back has excelled in Germany and his deliveries into the box have been impressive.
Aebischer can continue to stand out against England and he is fancied to score or assist in Dusseldorf.
Trippier out of position
There were concerns about Kieran Trippier’s form for Newcastle at the back end of the domestic season and he has not allayed those fears with his performances at this tournament for England.
Struggling with injury and being played out of position at left-back, Trippier has been a weak link in England’s back line and looks overpriced to pick up a card.
The 33-year-old has already been cautioned at the tournament and could also be exposed on the counter attack if he is forced to push high and maintain England’s width on the left.
Trippier will also be playing alongside a new player in central defence due to Guehi’s suspension, which he was partly responsible for, and he may be the player to pick up a card here.
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