The Euro 2024 quarter-final stage brings us one of the most intriguing fixtures of the tournament as England face Switzerland in Düsseldorf. England have stumbled their way through the competition, while Switzerland have quietly impressed with disciplined, confident performances. Both sides are just 90 minutes away from a semi-final, and though England enter as favourites, this one feels too close to call.

Team News

England

England will be forced into at least one change, with Marc Guéhi suspended after picking up a second yellow card in the Round of 16. Ezri Konsa is the favourite to come into defence, while Gareth Southgate could use this as an opportunity to tweak the system. There has been growing talk of a switch to a back three, which could see Kyle Walker, John Stones, and Konsa line up centrally, with Bukayo Saka and potentially Kieran Trippier or Luke Shaw as wing-backs.

Shaw has returned to fitness after a long spell out but may not be ready to start, leaving Trippier likely to continue on the left. In midfield, Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to continue, while Jude Bellingham will play in a freer attacking role behind Harry Kane. The main question is whether Phil Foden or Cole Palmer start wide, as England seek more creativity and width.

Switzerland

For Switzerland, Granit Xhaka has been passed fit despite a minor adductor concern and will once again captain the side. Silvan Widmer returns from suspension and should reclaim his place at right wing-back. The Swiss have been consistent in their shape, likely sticking with a 3-4-3 system that morphs into a compact five when defending.

Up front, Breel Embolo is expected to start after scoring against Italy, supported by Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas in the wide roles. The Swiss defence, anchored by Manuel Akanji and Fabian Schär, has been one of the tournament’s most reliable units, and they’ll aim to frustrate England’s attack while countering quickly when space opens up.

Form

England’s tournament so far has been a mixture of relief and frustration. They topped their group but only managed one win, a narrow 1-0 against Serbia, followed by underwhelming draws with Denmark and Slovenia. Their Round of 16 tie against Slovakia was nearly disastrous, with England trailing until stoppage time when Jude Bellingham produced a stunning bicycle kick to equalise. Harry Kane then scored early in extra time to secure a 2-1 win.

Switzerland, meanwhile, have looked far more balanced and confident. They held Germany to a draw in their group and then beat defending champions Italy 2-0 in a commanding last-16 performance. Murat Yakin’s team combine organisation with attacking intent, pressing at the right moments and breaking quickly through Embolo and Vargas.

Historically, England have dominated this fixture, unbeaten against Switzerland since 1981, a run stretching 13 matches. But this Swiss side looks stronger and more tactically cohesive than most of their predecessors.

Odds

Bookmakers make England slight favourites, reflecting their individual quality but also acknowledging Switzerland’s form.

Typical odds before the game were around:

• England to win: ~6/5
• Switzerland to win: ~3/1
• Draw (after 90 mins): ~2/1

England are also favourites to qualify for the semi-final (around 4/7 to progress), but the margins are fine, suggesting few expect a comfortable evening for Southgate’s side.

Prediction

This quarter-final has all the makings of a cagey, tactical encounter. England have the bigger names, but Switzerland have been the more coherent team so far. England’s likely shift to a back three could stabilise their defence and bring better balance in wide areas, yet they still need more creativity in the final third.

Switzerland will look to frustrate, press selectively, and punish mistakes, much as they did to Italy. England, meanwhile, will rely on individual brilliance from Bellingham, Saka, or Kane to find a breakthrough.

Prediction: 1–1 after 90 minutes, England to edge it on penalties.
If settled in normal time, a narrow 2–1 England win feels the most likely outcome.