Prediction: England vs Switzerland

Verdict: England win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Making their first appearance since opening 2022, England will welcome Switzerland to Wembley for a friendly meeting on Saturday evening.

England

Starting with the hosts, storming their way to this year’s World Cup Finals with no real issues, England will simply be looking to kick on from where they left off back in November. Signing off their qualifying run with what was a 10-0 romp against San Marino on foreign soil, many have tipped Gareth Southgate’s squad as a standout pick out in Qatar. While the Three Lions might have been disappointed to have played out a pair of 1-1 draws against Poland and Hungary last year, they do make their return to action this weekend in the midst of a seven-match unbeaten run. With that run stemming all the way back to that heartbreaking night at Wembley in the European Championships Final nine months ago, Saturday’s hosts will be desperate to try and lay down some kind of marker here. Expected to lead England’s charge on home soil, it is well worth keeping an eye out for Tottenham ace, Harry Kane. Enjoying a real free-scoring run with Spurs, the Three Lions’ skipper has 11 goals in his last 15 matchups across all formats.

Team News

After watching the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James have to withdraw earlier in the week, Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters and Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell have been included.

Also impressing at Selhurst Park this season, Conor Gallagher will be hoping to pick up his second cap here.

Switzerland

As for the visitors, also last seen signing off 2021 with what was a real purple patch, Switzerland have only continued to gain a host of admirers over recent times. Eventually storming their way to a 4-0 romp against Bulgaria on an emotional night in Luzern, the Reds shocked many across Europe as they booked an automatic ticket to this year’s World Cup Finals. Managing to snatch top spot in Group C away from Italy, Head Coach Murat Yakin has seen his side continue to build off of last summer’s eye-catching run at the European Championships. Despite being knocked out by Spain in the quarter-finals from the penalty spot, the Swiss are enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run. Hoping to spring an upset at Wembley this weekend, Saturday’s guests have impressed with their success at the back. Aside from a 1-1 draw against Italy, that is the only strike that Yakin’s side have shipped in their previous six appearances.

Team News

Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka should once again lead his side out at Wembley on Saturday evening and looks set to earn his 99th cap.

However, Switzerland will be without the likes of Yann Sommer, Philipp Kohn, Denis Zakaria and Haris Seferovic on Saturday evening.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last faced off in the Nations League semi-finals back in June 2019, England picked up a penalties victory in Portugal.
• Both England and Switzerland booked their spot at this year’s World Cup Finals without losing a single qualifying contest.
• Tottenham striker Harry Kane has recorded 11 goals in his last 15 matchups across all formats.
• The Swiss have conceded just a single strike in any of their previous five appearances.
• Five of England’s last seven contests have seen over 3.5 goals by the final whistle.

Conclusion

Looking to pick up some perfect momentum before heading into this year’s World Cup Finals, England will know that they face a tough task at Wembley on Saturday evening. However, while the Swiss might have gained plenty of plaudits over recent times, Gareth Southgate’s side should be smelling the chance for his side to lay down a marker. Although the Three Lions are expected to make some changes here, they should be boosted by an eye-catching record against this weekend’s guests. Including knocking Switzerland out of the inaugural Nations League in 2019, it should be noted that England have won each of their previous three meetings.

Verdict: England win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet