England or Slovakia? This is what Switzerland must prepare for in the European Championship quarter-finals

After beating Italy, Switzerland will face either England or Slovakia in the quarter-finals. While one nation is brimming with quality and yet has disappointed, the other has surprised.

Three years ago, the dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over world champions France, now the convincing 2:0 in the Berlin Olympic Stadium against the reigning European champions Italy: for the second time in a row, Switzerland has advanced to the quarter-finals of a European Championship. After Murat Yakin's team were unlucky to lose on penalties to Spain in 2021, they are now set to go (at least) one step further. Switzerland's opponents in Düsseldorf in a week's time will be decided on Sunday between England and Slovakia.

The previously disappointing top favorites

The Three Lions were considered one of the biggest favorites before the tournament. However, with three weak group games and uninspired performances, coach Gareth Southgate's team has not lived up to this title so far. And yet England appear to be the more difficult opponents - at least on paper. The team has too much potential and too much attacking quality for the meagre tally of two goals and five points from the preliminary round to be the maximum.

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Their record against the 1966 world champions is disastrous. Switzerland have met England 27 times. The Swiss have only emerged victorious three times. The last full victory dates back to May 30, 1981, and Switzerland have never defeated England at a major tournament. And yet the timing for a surprise seems better than it has for a long time. As undeniably strong as the offense around Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden is, the back line is just as vulnerable. Perhaps that is why the English have been so defensive so far.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is a seasoned Premier League professional and can grow beyond his 185 centimeters on a good day - but on bad days he can also have inexplicable lapses, which are all the more serious in a knockout phase. To make matters worse, Kyle Walker is only one of four regular defenders who meets the highest standards. If the Three Lions come up against a compact opponent - as they did three times in the previous round - they will find it extremely difficult. This is precisely Murat Yakin's match plan if they were to face the English.

The unpleasant underdog

On the other hand, Switzerland - and not just under Yakin - often find it difficult themselves against opponents who play deep and in games in which they have to make the game. The best example was the preliminary round match against Scotland. In the round of 16 against Italy, however, Switzerland impressively disproved this theory.

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Slovakia are similar to the Scots, but with more quality. Coach Francesco Calzona has built a tight-knit unit around the pillars and superstars Milan Skriniar of Paris Saint Germain and Stanislav Lobotka of Napoli that impresses with its solidarity and unity.

The Italian coach has not only brought the system of play with him from his home country, but has also instilled discipline in the team. Under the 55-year-old, Slovakia conceded just 19 goals in 21 games. The Eastern Europeans, who started the European Championship with little credit even from their home country, surprised everyone and impressed with their team unity and compact defense. What they lack is offensive penetration. It is doubtful whether Slovakia will be able to embarrass Switzerland on their way to their first ever European Championship semi-final.