New Delhi: Switzerland will face England in the UEFA Euro 2024 draw without winning a single game against the Three Lions since the 1981 World Cup. However, their recent 2-0 victory over defending champions Italy has boosted their confidence. Additionally, their near-win against hosts Germany further demonstrates their strong form heading into the tournament.
Despite starting as favourites in the tournament, England have struggled to edge away a win against Slovakia in the last 16. So far in the tournament, only Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored in this tournament for their nation, two from each player.
However, they are not the first Englishmen to score in Euro 2024. Kwadwo Duah, born in London, scored the first goal for Switzerland in the European Championship in their win against Hungary. Duah moved to Switzerland with his parents when he was two and plays for Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria.
An ardent fan of Chelsea, he made his debut for Switzerland when he was 27 in a friendly against Estonia this June. He has made three appearances at the Euro 2024, one in the starting XI and twice as a substitute.
When asked about the game against England, Duah said, “We want to show what we can do and we want to play our game.”
In their 3-1 win against Hungary, Duah struck at 12 minutes. Though Breel Embolo will push the Swiss forward to the bench, he has said that scoring the opening goal for A-team Nati on match day one was exceptional and a moment he will cherish forever.
Duah had played in Switzerland at under-18, under-19, and under-20 levels, but his inclusion in the team was surprising. Despite having an impressive scoring record, he had mostly been overlooked. Yakin’s assistant, Giorgi Contini, a former striker himself, pushed for his inclusion in the squad after the Ludogorets forward scored 13 goals in 24 top-flight appearances last season.
Switzerland are now against England in the third quarter-final of the Euro 2024. Though they have failed to win against the Three Lions since the 1981 World Cup and have only won thrice, the Swiss team will try to end England’s underwhelming campaign.
London-born Kwadwo Duah was a surprise inclusion in the tournament and will now like to beat England in his side’s draw in the European Championship Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
