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The Swiss national team has never won on English soil. Yakin’s team wants to change that with optimism and consistency on Saturday.
“Wow, I didn’t count back that far,” says Murat Yakin. Swiss footballers have never won on English soil, neither in away games against the “Three Lions” nor at major events on the island. But the national coach didn’t know that, he prefers to look ahead: “The joy of the test match at Wembley is huge.”
In front of 90,000 spectators in the sold-out arena, the game promises to be a highlight – but not an easy task for Switzerland.
The last win against the European vice-champion England was almost 41 years ago, in the last 4 duels they remained goalless. It was Tranquillo Barnetta’s free-kick brace in 2011 who last netted against the team.
In addition, the English national team is in top form and has only lost one thing in the last 20 games: the European Championship final, also at Wembley, against Italy. Nevertheless, Switzerland does not have to hide on Saturday. Under Yakin, the national team is still unbeaten after 7 games, and only 1 of 17 international matches was lost in 2021.
That’s why the coach doesn’t want to make any major tactical changes in the friendly: “We want to build on the game that made us strong last year.” Of course you have some new approaches to get even better. “We want to be more compact, aggressive and dominant.”
The 47-year-old is forced to accept a significant tactical change. After the Corona failure of regular goalie Yann Sommer, Jonas Omlin and Gregor Kobel can fight for number 2 behind him. “It’s a luxury problem,” says Yakin. Omlin will play against England and Kobel against Kosovo on Tuesday. “Then we’ll see who gets the chance to become the clear number 2.”
Xhaka eager to win as always
While the coach doesn’t talk about clear objectives, Granit Xhaka does even more so. “The first priority is victory. Playing a good game comes second, because you can play a good game and still lose,” said the captain, who is back in the squad after his injury in the fall.
According to the Arsenal player, the English will be ready and will attack, but the Swiss should do the same. “For us there are no friendlies in the national team.”