vendredi 3 juin 2011

Euro 2012 qualifying preview: England - Switzerland

PROBABLE LINE-UPSEngland (4-3-3): Hart; G Johnson, Ferdinand, Terry, Cole; Wilshere, Parker, Lampard; A Johnson, Bent, Young.
There has been a certain air of unpredictability around Fabio Capello's starting XI in recent outings, and with Wayne Rooney's absence through suspension, it is likely the Italian could start with a new look forward line.
Expect Darren Bent to retain his place at the spearhead of attack, having bagged his third goal in international football in March's 2-0 victory over Wales. Scott Parker received a widely acclaimed man of the match award in Cardiff, and is also set to start in the centre of the park.
Switzerland (4-5-1): Wolfi; Lichtsteiner, Von Bergen, Grichting, Ziegler; Barnetta, Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Shaqiri; Derdiyok.

Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld looks set to name the same defence that drew a blank away to Bulgaria in March, meaning Fulham defender Philippe Senderos may have to settle for a place on the bench.Ex-West Ham winger Valon Behrami and former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes could feature in the starting XI, as Hitzfeld opts for a youthful squad in which defender Stephane Grichting is the only player older than 30, following the retirement of Swiss all-time leading goal scorer Alexander Frei.

DID YOU KNOW?England are undefeated against Saturday's opponents for over 30 years, a run which stretches back seven games.
Their last encounter came in Basel in September 2010, with goals from Wayne Rooney, Adam Johnson and Darren Bent (pictured right) sealing a 3-1 victory.
The two sides drew at Wembley in the group stages of Euro 1996, but England came out on top in Euro 2004 with a 3-0 victory.
Fabio Capello's first game in charge came in a 2008 clash with Switzerland, with goals from Jermaine Jenas and Shaun Wright-Phillips securing a 2-1 win for the Italian manager.
England and Montenegro currently top Group G on 10 points apiece, whilst Switzerland sit in third place and find themselves six points off the pace after facing defeat from both of the group's current leaders.

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