They had a disappointing group stage, even though they had won their pool, and an unimpressive start to the knockout stages.
On Sunday, England barely defeated Slovakia in the round of 16, but just moments before they were set to be eliminated from the game, Jude Bellingham pulled off a brilliant move.
We examine the main concerns confronting manager Gareth Southgate prior to their matchup with the Swiss at the Dusseldorf Arena with the help of BBC Sport’s football commentators.
“A little out of date” and “like lost souls”
After an England performance that he thought was “a bit archaic at times” against Slovakia, former England striker Gary Lineker believes his country is “distinct second favourites” against Switzerland.
While Southgate led England to the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the 2020 Euro final, it seems that a large portion of that goodwill has evaporated.
As England fell to eventual runners-up France in the quarterfinals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, there were murmurs of unhappiness.
Pundits and supporters have now criticized the England manager’s tactical strategy and style of play—or rather, lack thereof—more extensively.
