Who will England play in semi-final of Euro 2024? Next opponents if they beat Switzerland explained
England will face one of The Netherlands or Turkiye in the semi-finals of Euro 2024 if they beat Switzerland today (July 6) in Dusseldorf. The Three Lions are potentially three matches away from the trophy but will have to beat the Swiss to make it to the next stage of the competition.
While the Three Lions have not been exciting, they have methodically ground out results and are unbeaten in the competition so far. The English started the tournament as one of the favorites, but have seen the mantle pass to other sides.
Gareth Southgate will not mind being free of the weight of expectation on his and his team's shoulders.
England manager hits back to Euro 2024 criticism
England manager Gareth Southgate has responded to criticisms of his team at Euro 2024. The Three Lions were initially touted as favorites for the competition and while unbeaten, they have failed to excite.
The English manager believes the criticism is an example of entitlement from his countrymen back home, saying:
"I would say that's a classic example of the sort of entitlement we have as a nation that creates drama and annoys our opponents,"
"We're playing a really strong football nation who have played exceptionally well, well-prepared, have enormous pride. Our focus is on how do we win this game, and how do we play to the best of our ability.”
Southgate concluded, saying:
"As you rightly said, we've never been to a final outside England, we've only had two finals in our history, three semi-finals. So lots of nations who we might perceive as English people to be smaller have had far better records than us, in terms of winning things, in terms of getting to the latter stages of finals.”
"It's half the problem we have. We're ready for tomorrow and as a team we definitely have huge respect for our opponents, and we know we’ve got to be at our very best to be able to win the game.”
England topped their group unbeaten with one win and two draws before beating Slovakia in the Round of 16.