PREVIEW: Switzerland v England
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ot often you can take more negatives than positives out of a win but that was certainly the case with England’s 1-0 win over Norway last week when their seemed to be very little evidence that England have improved since their dismal World Cup campaign in Brazil.
It was only a soft penalty – admittedly well taken by Rooney – that split the two sides in front of a relatively deserted Wembley Stadium.
Roy Hodgson has hinted that England will deploy more defensive tactics tonight so we expect even less goals than we have seen of late in their opening game against Switzerland (7.45pm ITV traded live throughout on Star Sports). I might actually try and get a bet on a NEGATIVE number of goals scored π
By contrast, Switzerland reached the last 16 in the World Cup, have home advantage and I really can’t understand why Switzerland are narrow favourites. I want to know why they are not overwhelming favourites.
Switzerland are the toughest opponents for England in the group based on FIFA world rankings. Their group also includes Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania and San Marino.
England’s Euro 2016 qualifiers
Switzerland (a) Monday, 8 September 2014; (h) 8 September 2015
San Marino (h) 9 October 2014; (a) 5 September 2015
Estonia (a) 12 October 2014; (h) 9 October 2015
Slovenia (h) 15 November 2014; (a) 14 June 2015
Lithuania (h) 27 March 2015; (a) 12 October 2015
Hodgson should know plenty about Switzerland. He managed them between 1992 and 1995.
HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Jun 2011 Euro Championships England 2-2
Sep 2010 Euro Championships Switzerland 1-3 England
Feb 2008 International England 2-1 Switzerland
Jun 2004 Euro Championships England 3-0 Switzerland
Mar 1998 International Switzerland 1-1 England
Jun 1996 Euro Championships England 1-1 Switzerland
Nov 1995 International England 3-1 Switzerland
May 1998 International Switzerland 0-1 England
May 1981 World Cup Switzerland 2-1 England
Nov 1980 World Cup England 2-1 Switzerland
Team news for England is that Jordan Henderson is doubtful after injuring an ankle during training and could be replaced by Manchester City’s James Milner.
England are also without striker Daniel Sturridge, who has a thigh problem.
I’m with Switzerland to make a winning start and shall be backing them at around 17/10 with Star Sports.