Home of football statistics and historySaturday’s encounter between England and Switzerland at the Wembley Stadium will serve to get both nations’ warm-up campaigns for Qatar 2022 underway.
The Three Lions cruised to a top-place finish in 2022 World Cup qualifying Group I, going unbeaten in all ten qualifying fixtures (W8, D2) to lock an automatic berth at December’s showpiece event with a game to spare.
Despite suffering a heartbreaking Euro 2022 grand final defeat to Italy, 2021 proved successful for Gareth Southgate’s team as they set a couple of unprecedented feats last calendar year.
England are currently fifth in the World Cup betting odds with newbettingsites.com.au and other bookmakers behind Brazil, France, Spain and Germany, but they are still susceptible to the odd slip up and you wouldn’t fancy their chances against Argentina or Belgium, both teams less-favoured to win the Cup.
Match preview
England
Led by free-scoring Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane, England netted a jaw-dropping 52 goals in 2021, their best scoring record across a single calendar year in the nation’s history.
But it is worth noting that 19% of those strikes came in England’s final 2022 World Cup qualifier away to continental minnows San Marino, courtesy of an overwhelming 10-0 triumph in Serravalle.
In addition to scoring at will, the Three Lions were nothing short of outstanding at the back, registering as many as 14 clean sheets back in 2021.
Southgate’s men are unbeaten in their last 20 games (W16, D4) and could set a national record for the longest run without defeat in international action if they hold Switzerland winless here.
Switzerland
It has been a while since Switzerland last tasted victory against England. They have picked up just one triumph in their last 23 international duels with the Three Lions (D6, L16), running out 2-1 victors in 1981.
However, Murat Yakin’s men head into proceedings in high spirits after coming from behind to pip reigning European champions Italy to automatic qualification for Qatar 2022.
The Swiss went unbeaten in all eight 2022 World Cup qualifying matches (W5, D3), while they have not lost any of their last ten outings overall (W5, D5).
Much of the credit for Switzerland’s stunning World Cup qualifying Group C success has to be pinned on a rock-solid backline that conceded a mere two goals across eight qualifying fixtures.
England team news
As reported by BBC, Southgate has handed Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster his first England call-up since 2017.
The 34-year-old keeper, who has enjoyed a stellar season at St Mary’s Stadium, will stake his claim for a place between the sticks at the expense of underperforming Everton star Jordan Pickford.
Despite facing a wave of criticism for his sub-par performances at Manchester United, Harry Maguire has retained his place in the national team.
Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters could make their national team debuts after their maiden England call-ups.
Kane, who has paid tribute to the retired Tottenham legend Jermaine Defore, should lead the line.
In-form Manchester City star Phil Foden could complement the attacking line-up alongside Spurs’ powerhouse and Chelsea’s Mason Mount.
England vs Switzerland Potential Line-ups
England potential starting XI
Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker-Peters, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount, Phil Foden; Harry Kane.
Switzerland potential starting XI
Gregor Kobel; Kevin Mbabu, Fabian Schar, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Noah Okafor, Xherdan Shaqiri, Ruben Vargas; Mario Gavranovic.
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