ENGLAND Vs SWITZERLAND: An Uphill for Garry Southgate's Three Lions

LEIPZIG, GERMANY- England narrowly avoided a shocking exit in the last 16 of Euro 2024, thanks to Jude Bellingham's last-minute overhead kick that secured victory over Slovakia. This dramatic win sets up a quarter-final meeting with Switzerland, who impressively defeated holders Italy, in Dusseldorf on Saturday.

Despite England's underwhelming performances so far in Germany, they still have a golden opportunity to shine if their talented squad can reach their full potential. Manager Gareth Southgate, preparing for his 100th game in charge, has faced criticism for his tactical decisions, particularly in midfield. Experiments with different player combinations have largely failed, leaving the team looking unbalanced and uninspired.

Phil Foden has been a bright spot, though often isolated on the left. Moments of individual brilliance from Bellingham have been crucial, with his last-gasp goal against Slovakia being a prime example. Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo also performed well against Slovakia, but the team as a whole has struggled.

Southgate appears to have recognized the need for change, potentially shifting to a back three due to Marc Guehi's suspension. This could offer more balance and make the most of England's attacking talent, forming a promising trio with Foden, Bellingham, and Harry Kane.

The England manager is determined to seize this chance, stating, "As a 53-year-old, I'm not worried about losing or about things going wrong. The downsides for me are irrelevant. It's about going for it."

Bellingham's last-minute heroics have given England a chance to reset and continue their campaign. His confidence, bolstered by success with Real Madrid, has been evident despite mixed personal performances in earlier matches.

England's squad, though talented, has underperformed. Harry Kane has scored two goals but hasn't been his usual threat. Foden, while dangerous, could be even more effective if used centrally. Bellingham has had flashes of brilliance, but not consistently. Southgate hopes to unlock the potential of his key players as the tournament progresses.

The path ahead looks favorable, with Switzerland next and the possibility of facing Turkey or the Netherlands in the semi-final. Southgate has noticed improvements in the team's mentality and fluidity, which he hopes will translate to better performances on the pitch.

England's journey at Euro 2024 has drawn parallels to their 1990 World Cup campaign, where a tactical shift helped them reach the semi-finals. Southgate's potential move to a back three could provide the balance needed to spark a revival, allowing players like Bellingham and Foden to shine and giving Kane more opportunities to score.

However, Switzerland poses a significant challenge. Under coach Murat Yakin, they have emerged as dark horses, defeating Italy and drawing with Germany. The Swiss squad includes familiar faces like Manchester City's Manuel Akanji, former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka, and Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar.

Yakin expressed confidence in his team, stating, "We are in great shape. We have a lot of confidence. We have shown against Germany and Italy we can play against the big teams. We will cause problems for England."

As England prepares for their quarter-final clash, they must elevate their game to avoid another scare and keep their Euro 2024 dreams alive.