The final 26-man Switzerland Euro 2020 squad has been released
(Image credit: Getty)
The final Switzerland Euro 2020 squad has been announced.
Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri, Arsenal's Granit Xhaka and Newcastle's Fabian Schar will form the backbone of the Swiss side, as they face a tough Euro 2020 group that includes Italy, Turkey and Wales – with the latter the only Group A team not to announce their squad so far.
Switzerland haven’t won a knockout tie at a major tournament since the 1938 World Cup, before the group stage was invented – and even then, they needed a replay. Will this finally be the year?
After hovering around FIFA’s top 10 for a decade, the Swiss could use a good
Euro 2020 display to silence sceptics who accused them of gaming the rankings system prior to its 2018 revamp. They did make it to the last 16 of both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, before losing to two beatable sides in Poland and Sweden, and they reached the inaugural Nations League Finals ahead of Belgium. However, the moderate success of those showings and this latest qualification was tempered in 2020 by a run of seven winless games.
That sequence did include two draws against Germany and one with Spain – enough to lead Switzerland’s self-assured coach, Vladimir Petkovic, to declare last December: “We don’t need to be scared of anybody.” A winning March boosted confidence further, though one-goal victories at home to Lithuania and Finland shouldn’t raise expectations too high.
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Stephan Lichtsteiner’s retirement has left big holes in leadership, defence and attack, where his tireless runs would spark some of the few chances that Switzerland muster. A consistent backline, led by the relentless Ricardo Rodriguez, should at least limit opponents’ chances.
There’s also a new generation, looking to emulate Switzerland’s 2009 Under-17 World Cup winners by providing the Nati’s heart for years to come. Rangers striker Cedric Itten, described as “patient and superb” by Gers boss Steven Gerrard, made his debut in the penultimate game of qualifying, and what a debut: he came off the bench to score the only goal in a crucial away win over Georgia, which kept the Swiss in command of their group. He’ll likely be an impact sub, although his status as Switzerland’s top goalscorer in qualifying – having played 110 minutes – suggests they can’t afford to be choosy.
With Itten as well as Xherdan Shaqiri, Breel Embolo, Mario Gavranovic and Haris Seferovic, the hot-and-cold Benfica striker, Switzerland have forwards who can score goals but all too often don’t. Their Group A opponents let in 13 goals in a total of 28 qualifying games. The Swiss can dream of a first ever knockout-stage win, but they’ll have to cobble together an attack first.
Switzerland Euro 2020 squad: Who is Switzerland's manager?
(Image credit: PA)
Vladimir Petkovic
Fifty-seven-year-old Vladimir Petkovic manages Switzerland, after starting the role as national team manager in 2014.
Formerly of Young Boys and Lazio, he won the 2013 Coppa Italia with the latter, his only major trophy.
Bosnian-born Petkovic led Switzerland to the Round of 16 in both Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup, his only two tournaments with the nation so far. His win percentage with the nation is above 50 per cent.
After starting his managerial career in 1997, Petkovic's seven year stint in charge of Switzerland is his longest role.
Switzerland Euro 2020 squad: Who is Switzerland's best player?
(Image credit: PA)
Granit Xhaka
Arsenal's Granit Xhaka stands out as Switzerland's most important player, captaining the team as the most experience member.
However, Switzerland's team isn't without a lack of talent across the pitch, with Liverpool's Xherdan Shaqiri, Atalanta's Remo Freuler, Borussia Monchengladbach's Breel Embolo and Yann Sommer, and Dortmund's Manuel Akanji all joining the Arsenal midfielder in what is a strong Swiss side.
Switzerland's past Euros record
(Image credit: PA)
Only featuring in four tournaments so far, Switzerland have not won the European Championships in their history. After failing to qualify for the Euros from 1964 to 1992, Switzerland's first appearance came in 1996 where they didn't make it out of the groups, following a draw and two defeats.
A draw and two defeats happened once again in 2004, while they joint-hosted the 2008 tournament alongside Austria. They managed to win their first ever game in the Euros, beating Portugal 2-0, though they once again failed to advance from the group stages.
Their most recent, and successful, appearance in the tournament came in 2016, where they reached the Round of 16, losing on penalties to Poland after going unbeaten during the group stages.
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