Xhaka could be England’s biggest threat (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has confirmed Granit Xhaka is fit to start against England in their Euro 2024 quarter-final, unconcerned by any tactical tweaks Gareth Southgate may have up his sleeve.
The Swiss booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a hugely impressive win over Italy, sending the defending champions crashing out of the competition.
Xhaka, the heartbeat of national side throughout the competition in Germany, picked up an adductor injury in training last week ahead of the Italy game, feeling its effects towards the end of that 2-0 win last Saturday.
The former Arsenal star underwent a scan on Monday, missing training on Wednesday just three days out from their showdown with England.
The Bayer Leverkusen star worked on an individual training programme before rejoining his teammates at the end of the week with his manager Yakin dismissing any concerns over his fitness.
‘He is fit and I am counting on him,’ Yakin told a press conference on Friday.
While Switzerland eased into the last eight, England scraped through against Slovakia thanks to some late magic from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Murat Yakin is plotting England’s downfall (Picture: UEFA via Getty Images)
After another underwhelming display, Southgate is considering a major tactical switch for Saturday’s game in Dusseldorf by switching to three at the back – a system England have not used in a competitive match since the last Euros final in 2021.
Whatever system the Three Lions emerge in, Switzerland are solely focused on their own plan.
‘We don’t know what they’re planning,’ Yakin continued.
‘They certainly have enough quality for a European Championship quarter-final. But we’ve shown that we can handle big opponents and can also pose problems for the English.’
Newcastle United star Fabian Schar anticipates some tweaking in the England side but, like his manager, is not concerned.
‘Of course it is possible that they will switch from a back four to a back three. But we are focusing on our strengths.’