Prediction: England vs Switzerland

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: bet365

England take on Switzerland on Tuesday as Gareth  Southgate’s men hope to get back to winning ways following three consecutive defeats. Switzerland arrive in Leicester on the back of the 6-0 thumping over Iceland at the beginning of the UEFA Nations League and will be determined to gain further momentum against the Three Lions.

England

England national team have yet to recover from their World Cup heartbreak. The Three Lions fought bravely in Russia but were unable to get past the eventual runners-up Croatia who defeated them after extra time in the semi-finals 2-1 and were ultimately forced to settle for fourth on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Belgium in the 3^rd place match.

Gareth Southgate received a widespread praise for all the great work he’s done with a young squad but the England manager is slowly beginning to feel pressure after failing to win any of England’s last three matches. The English were looking for a fresh start in the UEFA Nations League but suffered another disappointment after losing to Spain 2-1. Southgate’s men gained the lead after only 11 minutes of action when Marcus Rashford fired England ahead, but La Roja staged a sensational twenty-minute comeback to secure their first-ever win at Wembley. England came close to salvaging a point at the UEFA Nations League opener but Danny Welbeck’s 97^th-minute equalizer was ruled out for a foul on David De Gea, which left the hosts fuming. Southgate’s men will surely be looking to channel the anger in some positive energy ahead of the Switzerland clash.

Team News

Jack Butland is expected to replace Jordan Pickford in goal, whereas Luke Shaw suffered an injury against Spain and is ruled out of the match.

Gareth Southgate is expected to call several U21 players as Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana were also forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.

Switzerland

The Swiss kicked off the UEFA Nations League in style with a 6-0 thrashing of Iceland and will be keen to keep the momentum going as they make a trip to King Power Stadium. Vladimir Petkovic’s men struggled for goals at the World Cup in Russia and will be delighted by a big-margin victory ahead of the clash with England.

Switzerland are a quality side which boasts plenty of talented players with great international experience and should not be taken lightly despite their World Cup disappointment. The Swiss did well to move past the Group Stage alongside Brazil but were given a Last 16 halt at the hands of Sweden. Having kicked off the UEFA Nations League campaign in style, the Swiss will take the forthcoming opportunity to try and gain a further morale boost against a respectable rival. Switzerland and England met four times since 2010 whereas the Swiss have yet to record a win over the Three Lions since 1981.

Team News

Vladimir Petkovic will unleash several changes to his side with Denis Zakaria expected to be given a starting role in the midfield, alongside Granit Xhaka.

Liverpool summer recruit Xherdan Shaqiri will once again be handed a more central role, whereas youngster Albian Ajeti might get his chance from the start after scoring on his debut last time out.

Key Factors to Consider

• Switzerland lost only one of their last 11 matches
• England are coming off from a three-match losing streak
• Three Lions lost only 3 of their last 15 home matches
• The Swiss lost only 2 of their last 13 away games
• Both sides managed only one clean sheet in last four matches

Conclusion

England are hoping to bounce back after a series of disappointing results and will be expected to go head first from the off. The Swiss boast a quality side – patient and experienced – who will know how to bide their time and wear England down. Albeit a friendly game, this forthcoming match will be of great importance for both sides from a psychological point of view.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: bet365