July 5th 2024.
According to Switzerland's manager Murat Yakin, Granit Xhaka's fitness is not a concern for the upcoming Euro 2024 quarter-final against England. Despite picking up an adductor injury in training last week, the midfielder has been deemed fit to start against the Three Lions. Xhaka has been a vital player for Switzerland throughout the competition and even though he felt the effects of his injury during their impressive win over Italy, he underwent a scan on Monday and has been cleared to play.
Yakin confirmed in a press conference on Friday that Xhaka has been training with the team and that he is counting on him for the crucial match. This news comes as a relief for Swiss fans as they prepare to face an England team that has been struggling in their recent matches. The Three Lions barely made it to the quarter-finals with a narrow win over Slovakia, thanks to some late heroics from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Despite England's underwhelming performance, their manager Gareth Southgate is considering a major tactical switch for the game by reverting to a three-at-the-back formation. However, Yakin and his team are solely focused on their own game plan and are not concerned about whatever tactics the English may throw at them.
As Yakin stated, "We don't know what they're planning. 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." This confidence is shared by Newcastle United star Fabian Schar, who anticipates some changes in the England side but is not worried.
"Of course it is possible that they will switch from a back four to a back three. But we are focusing on our strengths," Schar said. With Switzerland coming off a huge win against defending champions Italy, they are determined to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the semi-finals. Only time will tell if England's tactical switch will be enough to stop them.
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