It’s that time of the tournament again
Today sees two more quarter-finals played with all eyes in England on Gareth Southgate’s men as they take on Switzerland while in the later game the Netherlands will play Turkey.
England will be looking to progress to a second consecutive semi-final at the Euros for the first time in their history while Switzerland will be hoping to reach the last four for the time ever in any major international competition.
Despite remaining unbeaten this far, England have faced plenty of criticism for their performances which have often lacked creativity and any kind of entertainment factor.
However, most England fans will be indifferent if they can continue to progress through the rounds, as defensively The Three Lions have looked solid.
England will also be hugely boosted by the news Jude Bellingham will not receive a ban for a gesture he made against Slovakia after scoring an incredible late bicycle kick to keep England’s Euros hopes alive.
This said Switzerland will be England’s toughest test yet, as Southgate’s men are yet to play anyone of real quality and organisation, exempt for a decent Denmark team.
Switzerland come into this quarter-final also unbeaten, with a huge scalp in beating Italy in the round of 16 while also a draw with Germany in the group stages to add.
They also knocked out France in the round of 16 in Euro 2020, showing their competence as giant killers at major tournaments.
With quality across the field in a team full of treble winners, Champions league finalists, domestic league winners and Champions League players, La Nati are not to be underestimated.
Furthermore their three back system has been so effective that Gareth Southgate is set to copy the system in order to nullify the Swiss threat.
With both sides fielding back threes, the game could be a very interesting tactical battling and with England’s past performances it would be naïve to expect a game full of goals.
Both sides can make history tonight, however only one will.
England take on Switzerland this afternoon at 5pm on BBC One.
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In the late game today, the Netherlands will be playing Turkey in a match that promises to offer goals.
Both teams have scored seven goals each in four matches while the Dutch have conceded four and the Turkish have let in six.
The Netherlands came into Euro 2024 as outside favourites, not quite as fancied as the big teams, but still dangerous none the less.
Finding themselves on the kinder side of the draw, they will surely fancy themselves to challenge for a second ever Euros win for the Oranje.
However, Turkey will definitively have something to say about that, as they have looked a threatening outfit so far, full of goals and team spirit.
Their young players have shown that if you’re good enough you’re old enough such as Arda Guler while the veterans of the squad such as goalkeeper Mert Gunok have also put in a shift.
Gunok’s incredible last-gasp save against Austria gave Turkey the win in the round of 16 with what might be one of the greatest saves in Euros history.
Turkey will be hoping for some more heroics tonight, while the Dutch will want to just get the job done.
The Netherlands face off with Turkey tonight at 8pm on ITV1.